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Wealth, happiness and happiness inequality in China

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

Abstract

Much literature explores the relationship between income and happiness, but the literature on wealth and happiness is more limited. We use longitudinal data for China to examine the effect of absolute wealth, relative wealth and key components of wealth on happiness and happiness inequality. We find that wealthier people are generally happier and that the rank order of one’s wealth, relative to comparators, matters for happiness. We also find that an increase in the wealth of those to whom we compare ourselves generally lowers happiness, consistent with a jealousy or status effect. Implications of redistributive policies are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWealth(s) and Subjective Well-Being
EditorsGaël Brulé, Christian Suter
Place of PublicationCham Switzerland
PublisherSpringer
Chapter20
Pages445-461
Number of pages17
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9783030055356
ISBN (Print)9783030055349
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameSocial Indicators Research Series
Volume76
ISSN (Print)1387-6570
ISSN (Electronic)2215-0099

Keywords

  • China
  • Comparison
  • Happiness inequality
  • Status effect

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