The 'Happiness Industry' - The 'Wellness Syndrome'
The 'Happiness Industry'. Laurie Taylor asks if policy makers are too focused on the idea of 'happiness'. And,has a concern for individual wellness replaced ideas of social change?
The Happiness Industry: Laurie Taylor talks to Will Davies, Professor in Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London, who asks why policy makers have become increasingly focused on measuring happiness. Also, 'wellness syndrome': Andre Spicer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at City University, argues that visions of positive social change have been replaced by a focus on individual well-being. They're joined by Laura Hyman, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Portsmouth. Revised repeat.
Producer: Jayne Egerton
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Is happiness a science?
Duration: 01:44
Guests
Laura Hyman – Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Portsmouth
Andre Spicer - Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Cass Business School
Further Reading
"Happiness: understandings, narratives and discourses" - by Laura Hyman
"The Wellness Syndrome" - by André Spicer and Carl Cederstrom
Broadcasts
- Wed 27 May 201516:00BBC Radio 4
- Mon 1 Jun 201500:15BBC Radio 4
- Wed 8 Jan 202016:00BBC Radio 4
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