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on Economics of Happiness |
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Issue of 2020‒09‒28
six papers chosen by |
| By: | David G. Blanchflower (University of Stirling, GLO, Bloomberg and NBER); Alex Bryson (University College London, NIESR and IZA) |
| Abstract: | Using data from the United States and Europe on nearly two million respondents we show the partial correlation between union membership and employee job satisfaction is positive and statistically significant. This runs counter to findings in the seminal work of Freeman (1978) and Borjas (1979) in the 1970s and most empirical studies since. With data for the United States we show the association between union membership and job satisfaction switched from negative to positive in the 2000s. Cohorts with positive union effects over time come to dominate those with negative effects. The negative association between membership and job satisfaction is apparent in cohorts born in the 1940s and 1950s but turns positive for those born between the 1960s and 1990s. Analyses for Europe since the 2000s confirm the positive association between union membership and worker wellbeing is apparent elsewhere. We also find evidence in the United Kingdom from panel estimation of a positive relation between union membership and job satisfaction. We find positive union associations with other aspects of worker wellbeing including life satisfaction and happiness, several macro variables and various measures of trust. Union members are also less likely to be stressed, worried, depressed, sad or lonely. The findings have important implications for our understanding of trade unionism. |
| Keywords: | : union membership; job satisfaction; worker wellbeing; trust; age; cohort effects; union density |
| JEL: | J28 J50 J51 |
| Date: | 2020–08–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qss:dqsswp:2008&r=all |
| By: | Heß, Alexander |
| Abstract: | The welfare state has long been under debate. Besides various theoretical discussions, it has often been empirically investigated regarding its effects on inequality and economic growth. With the advent of the scientific field of happiness research, scholars began to discuss the welfare state's impact on well-being. Furthermore, over the last three decades, scholars have examined empirically the relationship between welfare states and 'happiness' as more and more data have become available. This article aims to review many of the empirical studies that have been conducted in this regard. Methods and findings are presented and discussed. The conclusion is that though that a larger number of studies exists which finds a positive relationship between welfare state efforts and 'happiness', the overall picture is still vague. Further research might help to add clarity by accessing more recent data and by utilizing different survey datasets on 'happiness' as well as by shifting the focus towards understanding different mechanisms how the welfare state influences the well-being of specific subgroups in the population. In addition, research on non-state welfare providers can put state-conducted efforts into perspective and thus help to gain insights into the overall impact of welfare efforts. |
| Keywords: | welfare state,decommodification,social security expenditures,happiness,life-satisfaction,subjective well-being |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:opodis:20203&r=all |
| By: | David G. Blanchflower; Alex Bryson |
| Abstract: | Using data from the United States and Europe on nearly two million respondents we show the partial correlation between union membership and employee job satisfaction is positive and statistically significant. This runs counter to findings in the seminal work of Freeman (1978) and Borjas (1979) in the 1970s and most empirical studies since. With data for the United States we show the association between union membership and job satisfaction switched from negative to positive in the 2000s. Cohorts with positive union effects over time come to dominate those with negative effects. The negative association between membership and job satisfaction is apparent in cohorts born in the 1940s and 1950s but turns positive for those born between the 1960s and 1990s. Analyses for Europe since the 2000s confirm the positive association between union membership and worker wellbeing is apparent elsewhere. We also find evidence in the United Kingdom from panel estimation of a positive relation between union membership and job satisfaction. We find positive union associations with other aspects of worker wellbeing including life satisfaction and happiness, several macro variables and various measures of trust. Union members are also less likely to be stressed, worried, depressed, sad or lonely. The findings have important implications for our understanding of trade unionism. |
| JEL: | J28 J50 J51 |
| Date: | 2020–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:27720&r=all |
| By: | Rossouw, Stephanie; Greyling, Talita |
| Abstract: | The pursuit of happiness. What does that mean? Perhaps a more prominent question to ask is, 'how does one know whether people have succeeded in their pursuit'? Survey data, thus far, has served us well in determining where people see themselves on their journey. However, in an everchanging world, one needs high-frequency data instead of data released with significant time-lags. High-frequency data, which stems from Big Data, allows policymakers access to virtually real-time information that can assist in effective decision-making to increase the quality of life for all. Additionally, Big Data collected from, for example, social media platforms give researchers unprecedented insight into human behaviour, allowing significant future predictive powers. |
| Keywords: | Happiness,Big Data,Sentiment analysis |
| JEL: | C88 I31 I39 J18 |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:634&r=all |
| By: | Della Giusta, Marina (University of Reading); Longhi, Simonetta (University of Reading) |
| Abstract: | Several reforms increased the state pension age (SPA) in the UK and equalised it to age 65 for both men and women. We use panel data and a difference-in-difference approach to comprehensively analyse the direct and indirect effects of these reforms, investigating mechanisms for indirect effects. We also analyse the heterogeneity of the effects of smaller versus larger increases in SPA, by partnership status, as well as spill-over effects to male partners. Consistent with previous research, we find a positive impact of the reform on employment and labour force participation, but also large negative impacts on various aspects of personal, financial, and mental wellbeing. The effect is larger for women who have to wait longer to reach their SPA, and smaller for women with a partner (compared to those without a partner). The effect of the reform partially spills over to affected women partner's labour market participation. Our results can be generalised to other countries that are seeking to implement similar reforms. |
| Keywords: | policy reform, retirement, labour supply, care supply, leisure, wellbeing |
| JEL: | I31 J22 J26 |
| Date: | 2020–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp13587&r=all |
| By: | David G. Blanchflower (Dartmouth College); Alex Bryson (University College London) |
| Abstract: | Although there is a substantial literature indicating that unemployment and joblessness have profound adverse impacts on individuals’ health and wellbeing, there is relatively little evidence of their impact on sleep. Using data for over 3.5 million individuals in the United States over the period 2006-2019 from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey series we show sleep disruption patterns that vary by labor market status. We look at sleep measured by hours in a day and days in a month and whether sleep is disturbed over a fortnight, as indicated by problems falling or staying asleep or staying asleep too much. We find the short-term unemployed suffer more short and long sleep than the employed and are more likely to suffer from disturbed sleep. These problems are greater still for the long-term unemployed and for the jobless who say they are unable to work. |
| Keywords: | : sleep; short sleep; long sleep, disturbed sleep; unemployment; unable to work; joblessness; COVID-19 |
| JEL: | I31 J64 |
| Date: | 2020–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qss:dqsswp:2013&r=all |