Interview with Dr. Richard J. Estes: Exploring wellbeing, social progress, and terrorism

Authors

  • Richard J. Estes Department of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania

Keywords:

wellbeing, quality of life, social progress, terrorism, Arab Spring

Abstract

In this volume of the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, we explore the views, hopes, and current research agendas of those working to advance knowledge in the field of positive psychology within the MENA region, or who research aspects of culture and religion relevant to it. We uncover their thoughts on the current status of knowledge as well as what opportunities and pitfalls exist. Here, we discuss with Dr. Richard J. Estes, his thoughts on social wellbeing in Islamic nations and how the threat of terrorism can be understood via this lens.  

Author Biography

Richard J. Estes, Department of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Richard J. Estes is Professor Emeritus of Social Policy and Practice with the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA. He has worked extensively in countries throughout the world and received a variety of research grants and inter-disciplinary professional awards for his pioneering work on social development and nation-building. In recent years, Professor Estes has directed much attention to patterns of social development and progress in predominately Islamic societies. With his colleagues Dr. M. Joseph Sirgy (USA) and Dr. Habib Tiliouine (Algeria), Dr. Estes has authored many articles and a book called, The State of Islamic Social Progress: Social, Political, Economic and Ideological Challenges (2016). He also has an interest in the origins of Jihadist terrorism and the formulation of more peaceful ways of settling legitimate grievances between Western and Islamic countries. He currently has four articles in press concerning aspects of terrorism directed at Western nations.

References

Estes, R. J. (2010). The world social situation: Development challenges at the outset of a new century. Social Indicators Research, 98, 363-402.

Estes, R. J. (2012). Economies in transition: Continuing challenges to quality of life. In K. Land, A. C. Michalos, & M. J. Sirgy (Eds.), Handbook of quality of life research (pp. 433-457). Dordrecht, NL: Springer.

Estes, R. J. (2012). “Failed” and “Failing” states: Is quality of life possible? In K. Land, A. C. Michalos, & M. J. Sirgy (Eds.), Handbook of quality of life research (pp. 555-580). Dordrecht, NL: Springer.

Estes, R. J. (2014). Development trends among the world’s socially least developed countries: Reasons for cautious optimism. In B. Spooner (Ed.), Globalization in progress: Understanding and working with world urbanization. Philadelphia, USA: University of Pennsylvania Press.

Estes, R. J. (2015). Trends in world social development: The search for global well-being. In W. Glatzer, L. Camfield, V. Møller, & M. Rojas (Eds.), Global handbook of quality of life: Exploration of well-being of nations and continents (International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life). Dordrecht, NL: Springer.

Estes, R. J., & Sirgy, M. J. (2014). Radical Islamic militancy and acts of terrorism: A quality-of-life analysis. Social Indicators Research, 117(2), 615–652.

Estes, R. J., & Sirgy, M. J. (2017). The history of well-being in global perspective. In R. Estes & M. Joseph (Eds.), The pursuit of human well-being: The untold global history (pp. 691-741). Switzerland: Springer.

Estes, R., & Tiliouine, H. (2014). Development trends in Islamic societies: From collective wishes to concerted actions. Social Indicators Research, 116, 67–114.

Tiliouine, H., & Estes, R. J. (Eds.). (2016). The state of social progress of Islamic societies: Social, political, economic, and ideological challenges. Dordrecht, NL: Springer.

Downloads

Published

2017-12-15

How to Cite

Estes, R. J. (2017). Interview with Dr. Richard J. Estes: Exploring wellbeing, social progress, and terrorism. Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, 3(1), 12–15. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastjournalofpositivepsychology.org/index.php/mejpp/article/view/53

Issue

Vol. 3 (2017): Interviews with Positive Psychology Experts

Section

English Article Manuscripts