CONFERENCE: New Directions for Welfare: A conference for economists and policy makers
29 JUNE-1 JULY 2009 OXFORD UK
Publisher/Organizer:
Event dates: 29 June-1 July 2009
Venue: St Catherine’s College, Oxford University, Oxford
Language: English
Overview
“Welfare economics and more broadly economists’ contributions to our understanding of human welfare have changed radically over the past decade or more.* Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach has already shaped the evolution of the UN’s Human Development Index and suggests additional theoretical criteria by which economic outcomes might be modelled and judged. On the other hand, empirical analyses of data on human happiness are now widespread and are beginning to provide insights driven by behaviour which often complement the foundational concerns that lie at the heart of welfare economics.
Policy-makers are increasingly exploring the implications of these theories and empirical analyses for the measurement of welfare and progress as well as the design and evaluation of policies in health, development, environment and social policy (broadly defined). In addition there will be a second track of sessions economic theory focusing on new approaches to welfare economics.
The event will bring these areas together, in some cases for the first time to explore the implications both for theory and evidence and for practical use and public understanding of modern economic ideas. We hope this will be a stimulating and friendly event which continues to explore themes discussed at recent events in Harvard and Delhi and that people will join us with a view to carrying the debates forward.”