The Happiness Hierarchy

The Somerville Happiness Survey started in 2011 as a research study conducted by the city of Somerville, Massachusetts, in collaboration with Harvard professor Daniel Gilbert. The survey was designed to measure the overall happiness and well-being of the city's residents, and to identify factors that contribute to or detract from their happiness. “We need to change our mind-set in how we serve people,” said then Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

The survey was first launched in 2011 and was repeated every two years until 2015. In each round, researchers collected data from a representative sample of the city's population, using a combination of telephone and online surveys. Participants were asked a series of questions about their overall life satisfaction, happiness, and well-being, as well as their social connections, physical health, and financial situation. The survey also included questions about community involvement, access to green spaces and transportation, and other factors that may influence residents' happiness. The findings of the survey have been used by the city to inform policy decisions and improve the quality of life for its residents.