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on Economics of Happiness |
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Issue of 2017‒10‒22
ten papers chosen by |
| By: | Heinz Welsch (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics); Jan Kuehling (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Recent literature has found that individuals holding a greener self-image display higher levels of life satisfaction. We extend the single-country setting of that research to a transnational perspective and explore whether a relationship exists between green self-image (GSI) and life satisfaction (LS), both European-wide and at the national level. In order to explain differences in the GSI-LS relationship across nations and time, we study the role of pro-environmental values as a shared social norm. We find a significantly positive GSI-LS relationship in a pool of 35 European countries and in the majority of individual countries. In addition, we show that the well-being benefit of holding a green self-image is greater in societies that are less divided with respect to environmental attitudes, that is, where being green is a shared social norm. |
| Keywords: | green self-image; subjective well-being; life satisfaction; social norm; social division |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:old:dpaper:404&r=hap |
| By: | Kaiser, Micha; Bauer, Jan M. |
| Abstract: | Because the value of preschool child care is under intensive debate among both policymakers and society in general, this paper analyzes the relation between preschool care and the well-being of children and adolescents in Germany. It also examines differences in outcomes based on child socioeconomic background by focusing on the heterogeneous effects for migrant children. Our findings, based on data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey of Children and Adolescents, suggest that children who have experienced child care have a slightly lower well-being overall. For migrant children, however, the outcomes indicate a positive relation. |
| Keywords: | child care,migrants,preschool,well-being,education inequality |
| JEL: | J13 J15 I28 |
| Date: | 2017 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:hohdps:212017&r=hap |
| By: | León Tamayo, Dorian Fernando; Moreno, Jose Luis |
| Abstract: | The capability approach developed by Sen represents a proposal for the evaluation of individual well-being and social development centered on people and away - but not exclusive- of materiality. In the present article describes the capability approach developed by Sen and examines the importance for the evaluation of human development. |
| Keywords: | capability approach,Sen's capability approach,functioning,Amartya Sen |
| JEL: | I31 I32 D63 |
| Date: | 2017 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:169373&r=hap |
| By: | Sadettin Haluk Citci (Department of Economics, Gebze Technical University); Nazire Begen (Department of Economics, Gebze Technical University) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the relation between macroeconomic experiences and job satisfaction. Specifically, we analyze whether former work entry conditions have persistent effects on job satisfaction. Pooled Ordinary Least Squares method is applied to eighteen waves of the British Household Panel Survey. In order to check robustness of the established results, we also use Fixed Effect and Ordered Probit Estimation techniques. The results of relationship between work entry unemployment rate and job satisfaction is found negatively statistically significant at rho=.01 level in all methods. Even controlling for important factors on job satisfaction, such as industry and occupation differences, age, gender and income, the negative and significant effect of work entry conditions on job satisfaction continues to survive. The established results indicate that people who entered workforce when unemployment rate is high has less job satisfaction even in later ages compared to the ones who entered workforce when unemployment rate is lower. |
| Keywords: | job satisfaction, workforce entry unemployment rate, subjective well-being, panel data models |
| JEL: | J28 J64 J81 |
| Date: | 2017–10–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:geb:wpaper:2017-03&r=hap |
| By: | Osea Giuntella |
| Abstract: | The spread of high-speed Internet epitomizes the digital revolution, affecting several aspectsof our life. Using German panel data, we test whether the availability of broadbandInternet influences fertility choices in a low-fertility setting, which is well-known for the difficultyto combine work and family life. We exploit a strategy devised by Falck et al. (2014) toobtain causal estimates of the impact of broadband on fertility. We find positive effects of highspeedInternet availability on the fertility of high-educated women aged 25 and above. Effectsare not statistically significant both for men, low-educated women, and under 25. We alsoshow that broadband access significantly increases the share of women reporting teleworkingor part-time working. Furthermore, we find positive effects on time spent with children andoverall life satisfaction. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that high-speed Internetallows high-educated women to conciliate career and motherhood, which may promotefertility with a “digital divide†. At the same time, higher access to information on the risksand costs of early pregnancy and childbearing may explain the negative effects on youngeradults. |
| Date: | 2017–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pit:wpaper:6256&r=hap |
| By: | Andrén, Daniela (Örebro University School of Business); Clark, Andrew E (Paris School of Economics (PSE)); D´Ambrosio, Conchita (University of Luxembourg); Karlsson, Sune (Örebro University School of Business); Pettersson, Nicklas (Örebro University School of Business) |
| Abstract: | We use a rich longitudinal data set following a cohort of Swedish women from age 10 to 49 to analyse the effects of birth and early-life conditions on adulthood outcomes. These latter include both well-being and the stress hormone cortisol. Employment and marital status are important adult determinants of well-being. Log family income and absence from school also predict adult well-being, although their importance falls when controlling for adult and birth characteristics. Among the birth characteristics, we find that high birth weight (>4.3kg) affects adult well-being. We predict the level of adult cortisol only poorly, and suggest that the relationship between life satisfaction and cortisol is non-monotonic: both high and low cortisol are negatively correlated with life satisfaction. The results from an OLS life satisfaction regression and a multinomial logit of high or low cortisol (as compared to medium) are more similar to each other. |
| Keywords: | life satisfaction; cortisol; birth-cohort data; adult; child and birth outcomes; multivariate imputation by chained equations |
| JEL: | A12 D60 I31 |
| Date: | 2017–10–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:oruesi:2017_008&r=hap |
| By: | Ruhose, Jens; Thomsen, Stephan |
| Abstract: | We study the effects of continuous training on non-monetary outcomes. Wider benefits of continuous training have become a top priority on the European political agenda. Using SOEP data, we find evidence that continuous training increases life satisfaction, reduces worries about the own economic and job situation, and increases civic participation in some domains. We employ a regression-adjusted DiD matching approach that accounts for selection on observables and for time-invariant unobservables. |
| JEL: | J24 I21 M53 |
| Date: | 2017 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:vfsc17:168169&r=hap |
| By: | Brad R. Humphreys; Bruce K. Johnson; John C. Whitehead |
| Abstract: | The contingent valuation method (CV) has long been used to estimate nonmarket values of environmental and other public goods and amenities. Recently, life satisfaction (LS) measures have been used to estimate nonmarket values. This paper empirically compares CV and LS measures of welfare. We elicit willingness-to-pay (WTP) estimates for medals won by Canadian athletes and LS measures using Canadian survey data collected before and after the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. These data permit comparative analyses of reliability and validity of CV and LS measures. Both exhibit econometric reliability. CV and LS WTP estimates for medals increases after the Olympics. CV measures of WTP exhibit temporal reliability but LS measures of welfare lack temporal reliability and are significantly greater than CV measures. Key Words: contingent valuation method; life satisfaction method; willingness-to-pay; validity reliability |
| JEL: | C18 C52 D12 D62 I15 Q51 |
| Date: | 2017 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:apl:wpaper:17-08&r=hap |
| By: | León, Dorian Fernando |
| Abstract: | The conceptual framework of the capability approach proposed by Amartya Sen has never been used specifically in the dynamics of forced displacement or in the analysis of the quality of life of the population victims of the Colombian armed conflict. Reason why, this article affirms that the approach of capabilities agrees with the differential approach proposed by the Colombian Constitutional Court. Consequently, the objective is to provide a conceptual aproximation to the Amartya Sen’s capability approach and differential approach proposed by the from Colombia Constitutional Court and to point out that the capability approach is relevant in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies directed at the victim population. Similarly, recent data on the dynamics of forced displacement in the city of Bucaramanga (Colombia) are provided. |
| Keywords: | capability approach,forced displacement,colombian armed conflict |
| JEL: | I31 I32 D63 |
| Date: | 2017 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:170474&r=hap |
| By: | Mehmet Arda |
| Abstract: | Monitoring the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires a considerable amount of data. Regardless of their level of development, most countries’ statistical services demand some adaptation or improvement in an attempt to reduce, to the greatest possible extent, the current lacunae in information. In Turkey, one area that requires particular improvement is data disaggregation, especially according to social groupings, and along a rural-urban distinction that reflects a more functional understanding of this distinction. Administrative data collected during the delivery of governmental services could provide substantial amounts of relevant information; however, at present such collection processes are neither regular nor systematic. Ensuring consistency and continuity in the collection, measurement and definitions of data, as well as promoting improvements in the formulation of survey questions, could go a long way to improving the availability of information in Turkey, both for SDG monitoring and for the general design and implementation of policies and measures. While Turkey intends to follow the SDG Monitoring Road Map being developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), important work by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) on developing a Wellbeing Index is an already significant step forward towards improving the SDG monitoring in Turkey. |
| Keywords: | Turkey, data disaggregation, SDG implementation monitoring, Wellbeing Index, Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) |
| Date: | 2016–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:svo:opaper:38&r=hap |