Quotedefinitions of "happiness", "freedom" etc are usually several degrees removed from objective criteria
Not here. I have been a disciple of Richard Wilkinson for a long time. I have this book.
Objective Criteria is what measurement is all about if the science of happiness is going to mean anything. If you are not objective you can't find causes and correlations.
Objective measurement reveals happiness is strongly tied to inequality. People are social. Unequal societies put up barriers between people and isolate them from each other. Studies reveal that happiness is largely determined by healthy social connections. Isolated people die sooner. It is a fact.
Humans are social. Society defines us.