Key to happiness

For example, prominent social psychologist Jonathan Haidt posits in his book, “The Happiness Hypothesis,” that human happiness and well-being are fundamentally connected to work. According to Haidt, humans have a “basic drive to make things happen,” and most people fulfill this need through work. Alongside a couple of other factors, he argues, work provides a sense of meaning and purpose in people’s lives. And there is reason for optimism about work in our society today. Last month, the economy added 201,000 new jobs while the national unemployment rate continued near a generational low of 3.9 percent. Additionally, the August unemployment rates for African-Americans and Hispanics were the second- and third-lowest rates ever recorded, respectively, for each group. This good economic news should be celebrated by all Americans. But there is still work to be done. A July report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers found that most able-bodied recipients of means-tested government assistance work few hours or not at all. In fact, the majority of work-capable Medicaid and food stamp recipients did not work any hours while receiving assistance in 2013. Of particular concern is the report’s conclusion that “a significant body of evidence generally suggests that welfare programs which do not require work reduce employment among adults.” Given the link between work and human well-being, government programs that seemingly discourage work for able-bodied adults are counterproductive and wrong. Rather, government programs should encourage those who are able to work to do so, because work would enhance their well-being and flourishing. Owens is right: There is dignity in honest work, whatever it may be. Social psychology and public opinion support this idea. Government programs should, too.