Economic Freedom, Democracy and the Quality of Life


 

Publication Date: March 2010

Publisher: National Center for Policy Analysis (U.S.)

Author(s): Michael D. Stroup

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing; Economics

Keywords: economic freedom; quality of life

Type: Brief

Abstract:

Capitalism and democracy are both known to improve the quality of life. But which is more effective in promoting social welfare? Three typical measures of social welfare are health, education and disease prevention. Poor countries generally rank lower than developed countries on these social metrics, but better public policies can improve them.