A Snapshot of Happiness and Leisure Across Countries: Evidence from International Survey Data

30 Pages Posted: 26 May 2011

See all articles by Miao Wang

Miao Wang

Marquette University - Department of Economics

M. C. Sunny Wong

Hobby School of Public Affairs, U of Houston

Date Written: May 23, 2011

Abstract

We study the relationship between leisure and happiness, controlling both for individual and national variables. Using international survey data from 33 countries in 2007, our results show that certain leisure activities, satisfaction from leisure, and meaning of leisure to individuals all influence individual level of happiness. In contrast, the quantity of leisure is not so important compared to the effect of other aspects of leisure. In addition, family income and other individual demographic variable such as age and health condition also are significantly associated with happiness. National unemployment and political stability have robustly significant impact on happiness as well.

Keywords: Happiness, Life Satisfaction, Leisure, Multilevel Model

JEL Classification: J1, J3

Suggested Citation

Wang, Miao and Wong, M. C. Sunny, A Snapshot of Happiness and Leisure Across Countries: Evidence from International Survey Data (May 23, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1850798 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1850798

Miao Wang (Contact Author)

Marquette University - Department of Economics ( email )

P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
United States
414-288-7310 (Phone)
414-288-5757 (Fax)

M. C. Sunny Wong

Hobby School of Public Affairs, U of Houston ( email )

McElhinney Hall
3623 Cullen Boulevard Room 306
Houston, TX 77204
United States
713 743 3970 (Phone)

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