The Economics of Sport, Health and Happiness : The Promotion of Well-being through Sporting Activities

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 subsidize sporting activities at the expense of other public resources. Written in 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.