Subjective well-being and income : analysis and evidence on Easterlin Paradox

Abstract

Tyrimo rezultatai rodo, kad nuo tam tikro lygio išaugusios vidutinės pajamos nedidina vidutinės subjektyvios gerovės. Šis reiškinys, žinomas kaip Laimės paradoksas, arba Easterlin paradoksas, tiriamas šiame straipsnyje tarp aukšto išsivystymo lygio ir žemo išsivystymo lygio šalių trumpuoju, vidutiniu ir ilguoju laikotarpiu. Pagal pagrindines tyrimo, pristatyto šiame straipsnyje, išvadas, kad trumpuoju laikotarpiu Easterlin paradoksas neegzistuoja, vidutiniu laikotarpiu ryšys tarp pajamų ir laimės yra tiesinis-logaritminis, o ilguoju laikotarpiu pajamų pokyčiai laimės pokyčiams įtakos neturi, Easterlin paradoksas egzistuoja

Many scholars have argued that increasing an average income did not raise an average subjective well-being, a claim that became known as Happiness Paradox, namely Easterlin Paradox. The present article has focused on the theoretical and practical aspects of the relationships of subjective well-being and income but a special focus is on the assessment the validity of this claim in comparisons of both rich and poor countries, as well as over a short, medium and long period. Analyzing multiple datasets, multiple definitions of “basic needs” and multiple questions about well-being, we have not found any support for Easterlin Paradox over a shortterm period. The relationship between well-being and income is roughly linear-log and does not diminish as incomes rise. However, higher income is no longer associated with higher in subjective well-being over the long period