International Conference

Policies for Happiness

Organized by the
The University of Siena
Siena, Certosa di Pontignano
14-17 June 2007

Presentation and call for papers

In recent years, an animated interdisciplinary discussion has been fuelled by the evidence that, in the long-term, people's satisfaction with their lives is not significantly influenced by increases in their income and that other aspects of their lives, especially their social relationships, are of greater importance. This evidence raises a challenge to the economic policy paradigm that has traditionally emphasized income as the primary determinant of well being. In light of the new evidence: what should be done to improve the quality of people's lives? Can economic and social changes be made which enhance well-being? What policies are required? How do policies for well-being differ from traditional ones targeted on redistribution, the correction of market inefficiencies, and growth? Are there dimensions of well-being that have been neglected by traditional policies? Is happiness a meaningful policy target?
An answer to these questions may require an inter-disciplinary approach (economics, sociology, psychology, political science, urban science, anthropology, neuroscience). By means of this conference we intend to encourage a discussion among scholars of different disciplines with the aim of promoting research on economic, social and cultural reforms which are capable of generating well-being.

Suggested topics

Topics of interest include the impact on well-being of:
• Social capital and relational goods
• Urban and spacial policies
• Policies for infancy, adolescence, education
• Economic, social and political organization
• Cultural values
• Environmental policies

Please send a pdf version of the abstract to [email protected]

Conference deadlines

31 January: abstract submission

15 March: notification of acceptance

30 May: submission of accepted paper

30 May: conference registration

Keynote speakers

Samuel Bowles, University of Siena and Santa Fe Institute
Andrew Clark, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris
Bruno Frey, University of Zurich
Daniel Kahneman, Princeton University
Richard Layard, London School of Economics
Andrew Oswald, University of Warwick
Juliet Schor, Boston College
Robert Sugden, University of East -Anglia

Scientific Committee

Stefano Bartolini (University of Siena)
Samuel Bowles (University of Siena and Santa Fe Institute)
Luigino Bruni (University of Milano-Bicocca)
Benedetto Gui (University of Padova)
Richard Layard (London School of Economics)
Ugo Pagano (University of Siena)
Pier Luigi Porta (University of Milano-Bicocca)
Maurizio Pugno (University of Cassino)
Pierluigi Sacco (University of Venice, IUAV)
Robert Sugden (University of East -Anglia)
Sandro Vercelli (University of Siena)
Stefano Zamagni (University of Bologna)

Organizing Committee

Stefano Bartolini (University of Siena)
Franco Belli (University of Siena)
Niccolò Bellanca (University of Florence)
Ennio Bilancini (University of Siena)
Luigi Bosco (University of Siena)
Luigino Bruni (University of Milan-Bicocca)
Maurizio Pugno (University of Cassino)