Happiness and mental health policy: A sociological critique

Abstract

Background: This paper briefly outlines the work of economist Richard Layard and his proposed policy solutions to increase happiness within society. Layard's work is influencing policy and has particular relevance for mental health policy and service development.

Aims: The focus of the paper lies in a critique of Layard's work in three areas. The first is that Layard's approach does little to tackle the structural inequalities within society, which are known to be prime indicators of mental ill health. The second critique is that Layard's proposals form a misguided attempt to use therapy as a way of compensating for a breakdown in community. The third and related critique is that Layard's proposals suggest a medicalization of social issues in ways that individualize social problems. The paper ends with a reflection upon broader questions not addressed within Layard's analysis.

Conclusions: The paper concludes that Layard's proposal, though in many respects attractive, may have fundamental flaws and these are open to sociological analysis and critique.

Keywords:

• Layard
• happiness
• depression
• social construction