The Economics of Sport, Health and Happiness

Book excerpt: Including an array of distinguished contributors, this novel book fills a gap in the literature by addressing an important yet under researched issue in the field of sports economics. It places great emphasis on the notion that sport is a significant component for improving the happiness, health and well being of citizens, communities and society as a whole. In so doing, it addresses whether, in an environment of increasing pressure on public spending, governments should continue to subsidise sporting activities at the expense of other public resources. Written is a clear and accessible style, this pioneering book explores a number of specific issues including: the relationship between sport and happiness the effect of sport on health, including the capacity of sport and exercise to reduce spending on medical expenses the relationship between sport and productivity whether sport as a leisure activity can improve quality of life. Innovative and original, this volume will strongly appeal to students and researchers of sport, health and welfare economics.