Is the Structure of Happiness Equations the Same in Poor and Rich Countries? The Case of South Africa

Nattavudh Powdthavee ()

Development and Comp Systems from EconWPA

Abstract: Are happiness patterns structurally the same when comparing poor and rich countries? Using cross-sectional data from the SALDRU93 survey, we show that the relationships between subjective well-being and socioeconomic variables have a similar structure and is U-shaped in age in South Africa as in developed countries. Well-being rises with income. Unemployment is detrimental to reported well-being, both at the individual- and household-level. Living standard indicators such as durable assets ownership seem to determine happiness levels as well as income. Relative income also matters to well-being, after controlling for community wealth.

Keywords: Happiness; Living Standard; South Africa; Poverty (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D10 I31 J10 O10 O55 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe, nep-dev, nep-edu and nep-lam
Date: 2003-09-05
Note: Type of Document - pdf; prepared on IBM PC; to print on PDF;
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http://129.3.20.41/eps/dev/papers/0309/0309003.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
Working Paper: IS THE STRUCTURE OF HAPPINESS EQUATIONS THE SAME IN POOR AND RICH COUNTRIES? THE CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA (2003)
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