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on Economics of Happiness |
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Issue of 2025–11–10
three papers chosen by Viviana Di Giovinazzo, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca |
| By: | Désiré Avom (Yaoundé, Cameroon); Itchoko M. M. Mwa Ndjokou (Maroua, Cameroon); Pierre C. Tsopmo (Yaoundé, Cameroon); Cherif Abdramane (Yaoundé, Cameroon); Simplice A. Asongu (Johannesburg, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | This article examines the effect of leader longevity in power on world happiness. To make the assessment, a sample composed of 135 countries observed over the period 2006 to 2018 was constituted. The results obtained from OLS estimates show that longevity in power reduces individual happiness. Furthermore, the negative effect is more amplified in democratic countries. Quantile regression reveals variability in the effect over the different intervals. These results are robust to the use of alternative estimation techniques. We also identify the quality of institutions and public spending as two potential transmission channels through which longevity in power influences well-being. These results invite political authorities to respect constitutional limits or implement constitutional reforms with the aim of limiting the duration of the mandate of the executive in order to reduce the harmful effect of an extension of the latter on individuals' well-being. |
| Keywords: | Longevity in power, happiness, quality of institutions, public spending, quantile regression |
| JEL: | D72 H31 H52 I31 |
| Date: | 2024–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dbm:wpaper:24/023 |
| By: | Sara MacLennan |
| Abstract: | Some argue that school is a means to an end, and time spent in lessons may be unpleasant, but it helps these children in the future. The question is 'to what end'. Are school years something which have to be tolerated in order to have happier lives later in life, or something which have to be tolerated to add to the productivity of the UK economy? Others (such as the authors of this book) would even argue that it is desirable for children to be happy even during their school hours and school years. The wellbeing of children matters in its own right, as well as the impact on later adult outcomes and wellbeing. The current government has proposed the wellbeing of children as a priority. For this, schools will play an important role. |
| Keywords: | mental health, education, schools, wellbeing, UK Economy, happiness |
| Date: | 2025–10–13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cep:cepops:72 |
| By: | Thurik, Roy (Erasmus School of Economics); Kato, Masatoshi (Kwansei Gakuin University); van der Zwan, Peter (Leiden University); Kageura, Chihiro |
| Abstract: | Numerous studies deal with the link between daily recovery experiences (DRE) and mental health for employees. Hardly any studies exist for small business owners. This is surprising given that their health is not just important for themselves but also for their environment (such as employees, clients, suppliers, networks). In the present study we analyse if this link also works for some 2, 400 Japanese small business owners. Next to overall DRE, four dimensions of DRE are distinguished (detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control). Mental health is captured using well-being (psychological well-being and job satisfaction) and ill-being (burnout and stress). First, we compare our DRE levels with many other (employee) studies. Second, controlling for many phenomena including participating in nomikai (a typical Japanese custom of getting together after office hours), we show that the quality of overall DRE is positively linked to well-being, and negatively to ill-being. Third, like the quality of overall DRE, nomikai activities of the owner are positively linked to their psychological well-being and job satisfaction, and negatively to burnout and stress. Its role seems to be independent of that of the quality of DRE. |
| Keywords: | well-being, Nomikai, daily recovery experiences, entrepreneurs, small business owners/managers, job satisfaction, burnout, stress, Japan |
| JEL: | I12 I31 L26 |
| Date: | 2025–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18227 |