Evolution of Economic Wellbeing

<p>Throughout history humans have sought to enhance their wellbeing across various domains. Though the spectrum of factors responsible for wellbeing has widened considerably and advances have been realized in scientific-technological fields significant failures have been encountered in establishing peaceful relations among various communities and the natural environment has been degraded inconsiderately by humans since the Industrial Revolution.</p><p></p><p>This book identifies the key factors that influence changes in wellbeing – both positively and negatively – within a framework of socio-economic globalization instantaneous interconnectedness and rising environmental risks. These 'clusters of progress' comprise essentially the following seven areas: bolstering peace and security; respecting universal fundamental values; satisfying personal and social basic needs; expanding knowledge and managerial-technological skills; promoting arts and culture; husbanding natural resources and protecting the environment; and concerting actions for the global common good. </p><p></p><p>The term 'progress' is used here to mean an all-embracing sustainable advancement towards desirable goals (be they material or non-material) offering higher levels of wellbeing to individuals and to society at large compared to previous or current conditions. </p><p></p><p>In unravelling the 'progress conundrum' the author draws on his own original research and field work experiences which dovetail with those of other scholars by complementing their findings and/or by offering different appraisals. The author adopts an inter-disciplinary approach that overcomes the 'silo-like compartmentalization' of fields of study. The said approach enables us to reach a better understanding of the complex reality of progress (or regression) in various domains.</p>