The Power of Hope

“Graham uses empirical evidence to demonstrate why hope is a good metric for measuring economic and social well-being… . Drawing on research in the disciplines of economics, sociology, and psychology, Graham addresses the critical problem of despair and proposes ideas on how to restore hope in America… . Of great interest to scholars and general readers alike.” * Library Journal *“Carol Graham’s ‘The Power of Hope’… is as enjoyable a serious read as I can remember.”—Parviz Dabir-Alai, International Journal of Happiness and Development“The Power of Hope is a fascinating, eclectic mix of detailed research and statistics, a passionate plea for economics to consider human well-being metrics and vignettes of hopeful visions for the future of the USA, or indeed any Western society.”—Leisa Aitken, Economic Record“This is a thought-provoking book that does a fine job of conveying to readers the salience of taking steps to restore hope where there is none present.… I recommend [The Power of Hope] to all readers who would like to learn more about why addressing despair and restoring hope is critical to America’s future.” * Regional Science Policy & Practice *“The Power of Hope delivers its hopeful message with the passion and gravity the topic deserves.”—Nick Haslam, Inside Story

Carol Graham is the interim vice president and director of economic studies at the Brookings Institution and College Park Professor at the University of Maryland. She is the author of Happiness around the World: The Paradox of Happy Peasants and Miserable Millionaires; The Pursuit of Happiness: An Economy of Well-Being; Happiness for All? Unequal Hopes and Lives in Pursuit of the American Dream (Princeton); and other books, as well as numerous articles in academic journals.