I came across this TED talk over the weekend.  The speaker argues that the greatest driver of social issues in developed countries is economic disparity within the country, not the actual growth rate of the economy.  In other words, he argues that once you're wealthy enough growth is less important than relative equality.

Kind of a big concept.

From the read of it - there is some controversy around his work, but should make for some interesting discussion/ food for thought.  

Worth a watch.