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on Economics of Happiness |
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Issue of 2026–03–16
five papers chosen by Viviana Di Giovinazzo, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca |
| By: | David Fadiran (University of Cape Town); Adeola Oyenubi (WITS - University of the Witwatersrand [Johannesburg]); Anda David (AFD - Agence française de développement); Rawane Yasser (AFD - Agence française de développement) |
| Abstract: | variation in inequality and quality of institutions interact to explain variation in subjective wellbeing. Literature suggests that better institutions and lower level of inequality improve subjective wellbeing. However, evidence that examine how the interaction between these two variables explain variation in wellbeing is relatively scarce. Specifically, do better institutions improve the relationship between inequality and subjective wellbeing? This question is particularly important in high inequality contexts like South Africa (and other developing countries). Despite several efforts to promote pro-poor growth, South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world. While the country's colonial history and apartheid are known to have contributed to this inequality, the nature and dynamics of its impact on society are yet to be fully understood. To investigate these interactions, we will utilize the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS), a nationally representative survey of individuals across South Africa. Specifically, we assess how spatial variations in governance across South Africa's district municipalities, as well as its interaction with inequality among individuals (as captured by relative deprivation) explains variation in subjective well-being. Our results show marked variation in inequality, well-being and governance across districts. We also find that good governance improves the effect of inequality on subjective wellbeing. |
| Keywords: | Spatial Inequality, Subjective well-being, Sub-regional governance, South Africa |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05521075 |
| By: | Krekel, Christian; Goebel, Jan; Rehdanz, Katrin |
| Abstract: | Most people consider parks important for their quality of life, yet systematic causal evidence is missing. We exploit exogenous variations in their use values to estimate causal effects. Using a representative household panel with precise geographical coordinates of households linked to satellite images of green spaces with a nationwide coverage, we employ a spatial difference-in-differences design, comparing within-individual changes between residents living close to a green space with those living further away. We exploit Covid-19 as exogenous shock. We find that green spaces raised overall life satisfaction while reducing symptoms of anxiety (feelings of nervousness and worry) and depression. There is also suggestive evidence for reduced loneliness. Given the number of people in their surroundings, a compensating-surplus calculation suggests that parks added substantial benefits during the period studied. |
| Keywords: | parks; green spaces; mental health; wellbeing; quasi-natural experiment; compensating surplus |
| JEL: | I10 I31 R23 H41 Q51 |
| Date: | 2026–05–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:137488 |
| By: | Mohammad Reza Farzanegan (Philipps-Universität Marburg); Sven Fischer (Philipps-Universität Marburg) |
| Abstract: | The "Woman, Life, Freedom" (WLF) protests in Iran, ignited by Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022, marked the longest anti-government uprising since 1979, blending gendered demands with violent unrest and state repression. This study examines how exposure to violent protests affects life satisfaction. Using two representative surveys from January-February 2022 (pre-protests) and November 2022 (peak protests), we analyze 2, 256 respondents with consistent sampling methods. Using probit regressions and an instrumental variable approach with precipitation and distance from Saqqez as instruments, we measure proximity to violent events via ACLED data, treating the 'protest environment' as a composite of protests and repression. Exposure to violent protests reduces life satisfaction by 3.6 percentage points, with effects proven robust to controls. Women experience the largest declines, exceeding unemployment’s impact, while international TV viewers report amplified effects, reflecting media’s role in shaping perceptions. Mediation analysis highlights insecurity as a key mechanism. These findings underscore the WLF’s female-led nature and authoritarian setting, advancing research on gendered unrest’s societal impact. Declining life satisfaction may signal rising dissent, challenging Iran’s regime stability, bridging contentious politics and public sentiment. |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1804 |
| By: | Alex Buckland (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Tayla Chown (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Alan S Duncan (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Abebe Hailemariam (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Daniel Kiely (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School); Angelica Munoz (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Chris Twomey (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin University); Loan Vu (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School) |
| Abstract: | For many Australians, the middle years represent both a time of achievement and a test of endurance. Between the ages of 35 and 55, Australians in their middle years form the scaffolding for the nation’s society, acting as a bridge between generations, the stabilisers of family life and community, and the civic and economic centre of gravity that keeps us moving forward. They are often the quiet centre of Australian life, less visible and less heard than youth or age but indispensable to both. They represent a dependable core that keeps families, workplaces and communities running. Yet the very strength of this commitment often comes at a cost. Our research finds that the middle years are a period of intense connection and contribution, but also of strain. As careers peak, responsibilities multiply, and caring roles expand, time becomes scarce and self?care is neglected. Life satisfaction dips to its lowest point across the life course, and while resilience remains strong, the pressures are constant and cumulative. The BCEC’s analysis shows that midlife is marked by overlapping demands: supporting children who are not yet independent, caring for ageing parents, managing mortgages and rising living costs, and maintaining demanding careers. These intersecting pressures shape wellbeing in profound ways — influencing mental health, financial stability, social participation and life satisfaction. Midlife Australians are often referred to as the “engine room” of the nation: the people who hold institutions, families and communities together. But they also make up the cohort most likely to experience time stress, burnout and the compounding impacts of negative life events. |
| Keywords: | sandwich generation, middle age, middle years, mental health, locus of control, mental stress, relationship breakdown, social connection, employment, discrimination, cost of living. |
| JEL: | J1 J12 J22 I31 |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ozl:bcecrs:fs12 |
| By: | Arnone, Massimo; Drago, Carlo; Costantiello, Alberto; Anobile, Fabio; Leogrande, Angelo |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the link between economic performance and multidimensional well-being in the Italian context using a combination of the ISTAT BES approach (Benessere Equo e Sostenibile) and machine learning and clustering analysis. On the basis of a dataset of 19 Italian regions and the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano from 2012 to 2023, it will be examined how the three BES components—Benessere (B), Equità (E), and Sostenibilità (S)—are intertwined with the Gross Domestic Product of the regions. Regarding the Benessere (B) component of well-being, the Gross Domestic Product will be analyzed using a regression approach of the K-Nearest Neighbors type to reveal the complex linkages between health outcomes, education outcomes, working conditions, social participation, and economic performance. The clustering of the B indicators and the Gross Domestic Product will be done using Hierarchical Clustering analysis to identify homogeneous territories characterized by different levels of quality of life and economic prosperity. Regarding the Equità (E) component of well-being, the regression analysis will be done using the Boosting algorithm to model the linkages between the Gross Domestic Product and the indicators of income distribution, poverty, material deprivation, and inclusion in the labor market. Boosting regression analysis will be particularly useful for this purpose since it models the complex interactions and thresholds of social and economic inequalities. Hierarchical Clustering analysis will be applied to identify the territories characterized by different levels of equity and economic growth. Regarding the Sostenibilità (S) component of well-being, the Gross Domestic Product will be modeled using Boosting regression analysis to reveal the very complex linkages between the economic performance of the territories and the indicators of environmental quality, risk of climate change, innovation outcomes, and the quality of public services. For this purpose, the analysis will use the Random Forest algorithm to identify the territories characterized by different levels of sustainability and economic performance. The analysis will show that the BES approach provides a very useful framework to identify the very different levels of linkages between the economic performance of the territories and the outcomes of the BES approach. The analysis will provide evidence that the BES approach is a very useful framework for the analysis of the linkages between the economic performance of the territories and the outcomes of the BES approach. |
| Keywords: | GDP; BES; Sustainability; Regional Inequality; Machine Learning |
| JEL: | C38 C45 O18 O56 R11 |
| Date: | 2026–01–13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:127706 |