International Conference

New Directions in Welfare

St Catherine's College, Oxford University
29 June - 1 July 2009

Presentation

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.

Call for papers

Economists, econometricians and economic statisticians working on theoretical or empirical/policy aspects of welfare economics (broadly defined) are encouraged to submit short abstracts for this conference to be held at St Catherine's College, Oxford University.

There will be two tracks, the first focussing on economic theory particularly social choice, decision/utility theory, experimental work and economic theory in philosophy. The second track will cover particularly subfields where human welfare is particularly important including health, development, environment, education and social policy. Particularly welcome are papers that focus on new methods or concepts (eg the capabilities approach, happiness econometrics, behavioural economics) or ermergin issues (eg personal finance, ageing, migration, violence etc.) as well key issues including poverty, inequality, etc.).

Speakers from a range of leading institutions in Europe and America (including Oxford, LSE, UCL, Harvard, MIT etc.) have been invited. The conference is organised by economists from around Europe mainly and sponsored in part by the Government Economic Service: economists working in government, consultancy, ngos are also encouraged to attend.

Further conference details and the call for abstracts can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/socialsciences/welfareconomicstheory/