Easterlin paradox

proper noun

The apparently paradoxical observation that people's reported happiness varies directly with income both among and within nations, but over time happiness does not trend upward as income continues to grow.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. economicsThe apparently paradoxical observation that people's reported happiness varies directly with income both among and within nations, but over time happiness does not trend upward as income continues to grow.

Origin

Named for the economist Richard Easterlin, who discussed the factors contributing to happiness in a 1974 book chapter.

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Cite this entry
APA

Easterlin paradox. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Easterlin%20paradox

MLA

“Easterlin paradox.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Easterlin%20paradox. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Easterlin paradox,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Easterlin%20paradox.

Source: Easterlin paradox on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.