Book Abstract

Global Patterns of Well-Being: Data, Determinants, and Divergence presents a worldwide synthesis of subjective and objective well-being trends, revealing both shared foundations and stark inequities across societies. Leveraging over a million responses from the Gallup World Poll (2009?2019), the book integrates multidimensional well-being frameworks?encompassing happiness, health, purpose, character, and relationships?to map global disparities in average well-being and its distribution within nations . By combining extensive global data with in-depth analysis of determinants and disparities, Global Patterns of Well-Being offers vital insights into what shapes life quality around the world?and why countries diverge. It is an indispensable resource for policymakers, social scientists, public health officials, and development practitioners committed to promoting equitable well-being worldwide. The volume underscores the limitations of GDP as a proxy for well-being, advocating for composite indices like the OECD Better Life Index, WHO?s well-being promotion frameworks, and the UN?s Social Progress Index.By combining life evaluation measures with flourishing metrics, it offers a richer and more actionable representation of societal well-being.

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