|
on Economics of Happiness |
|
Issue of 2025–01–27
five papers chosen by Viviana Di Giovinazzo, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca |
| By: | Lionel Wilner (CREST - Centre de Recherche en Économie et Statistique - ENSAI - Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Analyse de l'Information [Bruz] - X - École polytechnique - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris - ENSAE Paris - École Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration Économique - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | Using the 2016 merger of French regions as a natural experiment, this paper adopts a difference-in-differences identification strategy to recover its causal impact on individual subjective well-being. No depressing effect is found in the short term; life satisfaction has even increased in regions that were absorbed from both economic and political viewpoints. The empirical evidence at stake suggests that local economic performance has enhanced in these regions, which includes a faster decline of the unemployment rate. In the context of a unitary state, economic gains have therefore outweighed cultural attachment to administrative regions. |
| Keywords: | Merger of regions, Natural experiment, Difference-in-differences, Subjective well-being, Centralization |
| Date: | 2023–05–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04799406 |
| By: | Resul Cesur; Sadullah Yıldırım |
| Abstract: | Evolutionary accounts assert that while diversity may lower subjective well-being (SWB) by creating an evolutionary mismatch between evolved psychological tendencies and the current social environment, human societies can adapt to diversity via intergroup contact under appropriate conditions. Exploiting a novel natural experiment in history, we examine the impact of the social environment, captured by population diversity, on SWB. We find that diversity lowers cognitive and hedonic measures of SWB. Diversity-induced deteriorations in the quality of the macrosocial environment, captured by reduced social cohesion, retarded state capacity, and increased inequality in economic opportunities, emerge as mechanisms explaining our findings. The analysis of first- and second-generation immigrants in Europe and the USA reveals that the misery of home country diversity persists even after neutralizing the role of the social environment. However, these effects diminish among the second generation, suggesting that long-term improvements in the social environment can alleviate the burden of diversity. Finally, in exploring whether human societies can adapt to diversity, we show evidence that diversity causes adopting cultural traits (such as establishing stronger family ties, assigning greater importance to friendships, and adopting a positive attitude towards competition) that can mitigate the misery of diversity. These results survive an exhaustive set of robustness checks. |
| JEL: | D60 D63 I30 I31 N30 Z13 |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33163 |
| By: | Belfi, Barbara (Maastricht University); Borghans, Lex (Maastricht University) |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we explore the interplay between personality traits, socio-emotional skills, and key life outcomes across education, employment, social connectedness, health, and civic participation. Drawing on a rich body of research, we highlight the significant impact of socio-emotional skills, as defined by the Study on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES) framework developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), on various aspects of life. From academic achievement to job performance, social relationships, health indicators, and civic engagement, socio-emotional skills emerge as crucial predictors of success and well-being. Moreover, we examine the effectiveness of educational interventions in fostering socio-emotional skills, considering optimal timing and intervention strategies. Through meta-analyses and empirical studies, we uncover insights into the developmental trajectory of these skills and their malleability over time. These findings have profound implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, emphasizing the importance of integrating socio-emotional skill development into educational curricula and broader societal initiatives. By aligning interventions with the OECD framework and adopting evidence-based practices, stakeholders can empower individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience and thrive in an increasingly complex world. |
| Keywords: | socio-emotional skills, personality traits, education, interventions, life outcomes |
| JEL: | I20 I31 |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17595 |
| By: | Elie BOLA BOONGO (UNIKIS - Université de Kisangani); Dieu-Merci IMO LOKWA; Joël BOSSONGA ILEMA; Samuel BOLA MBOYO |
| Abstract: | This study focuses on the adoption and impact of mobile money on household well-being in Mbandaka, located in the Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The objective is to understand how this technology influences financial inclusion, mobility, and the ease of transactions between individuals from different entities, thereby affecting the overall well-being of households.The study has a dual aim. First, it seeks to identify the profile of individuals who adopt mobile money in Mbandaka. Second, it assesses the impact of mobile money usage on the socioeconomic well-being of users. The first objective aims to provide a description of the socioeconomic profile of mobile money users, considering various criteria such as age, gender, education level, and employment. The second objective is to determine whether the use of this technological innovation has indeed improved the quality of life and well-being of the households that utilize it.The study specifically targets mobile phone users with a mobile money account. A sample of 100 individuals was drawn for the survey. Data were collected on their socioeconomic characteristics before and after adopting mobile money technology. The descriptive approach adopted allows for detailing the characteristics of individuals who chose to use this service.Survey results reveal that all mobile money users interviewed (100%) prefer using this service over banks or money transfer agencies for their financial transactions. This preference is attributed to the advantages offered by mobile money, including simplicity, accessibility, and efficiency. The study also shows that 100% of respondents, who were previously excluded from the traditional banking system, were able to access financial services through mobile money usage.These findings confirm the initial hypothesis that the adoption of mobile money has a positive impact on the well-being of households in Mbandaka. By providing financial inclusion opportunities to unbanked individuals, mobile money enables them to benefit from financial services they would not have otherwise obtained. Consequently, the use of this technology appears to enhance living conditions and facilitate financial transactions for households in the city of Mbandaka. |
| Abstract: | La présente étude se concentre sur l'adoption et l'impact de l'utilisation du mobile money sur le bien-être des ménages dans la ville de Mbandaka, située dans la province de l'Équateur en République Démocratique du Congo. L'objectif est de comprendre comment cette technologie influence l'inclusion financière, la mobilité et la facilité des transactions entre particuliers de différentes entités, et donc, le bien-être général des ménages.L'étude poursuit un double objectif. Premièrement, elle cherche à identifier le profil des individus qui adoptent le mobile money à Mbandaka. Deuxièmement, elle évalue l'impact de l'utilisation du mobile money sur le bien-être socioéconomique des utilisateurs. Le premier objectif vise à fournir une description du profil socioéconomique des utilisateurs de mobile money, en tenant compte de divers critères tels que l'âge, le sexe, le niveau d'éducation et l'emploi. Quant au second objectif, il consiste à déterminer si l'utilisation de cette innovation technologique a effectivement amélioré la qualité de vie et le bien-être des ménages qui l'utilisent.L'étude cible spécifiquement les utilisateurs de la téléphonie mobile ayant un compte mobile money. Un échantillon de 100 individus a été tiré pour l'enquête. Des données ont été recueillies sur leurs caractéristiques socioéconomiques avant et après l'adoption de la technologie mobile money. L'approche descriptive adoptée permet de détailler les traits caractéristiques des individus qui ont choisi d'utiliser ce service. Les résultats de l'enquête révèlent que la totalité des utilisateurs de mobile money interrogés (100%) préfèrent utiliser ce service plutôt que les banques ou les agences de transfert d'argent pour leurs transactions financières. Cela s'explique par les avantages offerts par la monnaie mobile, notamment sa simplicité, son accessibilité et son efficacité. L'étude montre également que 100% des personnes enquêtées, qui étaient auparavant exclues du système bancaire traditionnel, ont pu accéder aux services financiers grâce à l'utilisation de mobile money. Ces résultats confirment l'hypothèse de départ selon laquelle l'adoption du mobile money a un impact positif sur le bien-être des ménages de Mbandaka. En offrant des opportunités d'inclusion financière aux personnes non bancarisées, le mobile money permet à ces individus de bénéficier de services financiers qu'ils n'auraient pas pu obtenir autrement. |
| Keywords: | Mobile money, financial inclusion, Soci-economic aspects, Inclusion financière et Lutte contre la Pauvreté, Bien-être, Socio-économie, well-being, household |
| Date: | 2023–10–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04792972 |
| By: | Peter Benczur (European Commission - JRC); Juliana Subtil; Tahnee Ooms (European Commission - JRC); Shaun Mark Da Costa (European Commission - JRC); Krzysztof Kania; Catherine Ganzleben; Alessia Fulvimari; Ramona Samson |
| Abstract: | A competitive and resilient Europe requires a systemic transition that fosters economic circularity and far-reaching societal ad-justments. These measures must acknowledge the complexity of wellbeing. Its adequate use for policy and governance requires a system thinking approach. Transforming our socio-economic model re-quires innovations going well beyond the traditional focus on science and technology. The EU’s pursuit of a sustainable transition can only succeed if Europe manages to transform its economies, while remaining globally competitive and resilient.Europe has a unique model to build on that combines competitiveness with addressing inequalities. A just and fair transition considers the social aspects of sustainability and ensures the affordable wellbeing of current and future generations. To ensure the wellbeing of its citizens amid various global challenges, Europe must har-ness the power of innovation. Innovation is increasingly playing a key role to genuinely achieve the ambitious shift towards a new EU growth model, fundamentally transforming mar-kets by creating new ones or improving existing ones. |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc139898 |