A Review of Research on Income Inequality and Subjective Well-being
Journal: Modern Economics & Management Forum DOI: 10.32629/memf.v6i1.3537
Abstract
Happiness is not only closely related to our individual lives, but also influences efficiency transformation and social progress. There remains no definitive research outcome regarding the relationship between income inequality and subjective well-being. Research findings from various studies indicate that some believe income inequality has a negative impact on well-being, some see positive effects, and some researchers argue that income inequality has no significant influence on well-being. Therefore, this paper reviews relevant research on the link between income inequality and happiness, as well as studies on how income inequality affects happiness. It summarizes and analyzes the limitations of current research and proposes some suggestions for future research in related fields.
Keywords
income inequality, subjective well-being, life satisfaction
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[3] Feng Hexia, Wei Ke. An Empirical Study on the Impact of Economic Growth, Income Distribution, and Redistribution on Residents' Subjective Well-being. Statistics & Decision Making, Economist, 2013, (09): 15-23. DOI: 10.16158/j.cnki.51-1312/f.2013.09.003.
[4] Lu Yuanping, Wang Tao. Income Inequality, Social Crime, and National Well-being: Evidence from China. China Economic Quarterly, 2011, 10(04): 1437-1458.
[5] Zhang Lisi, Zhang Ziwei. Income Inequality, Social Equity, and Subjective Well-being. Journal of Northeastern University (Social Science), 2023, 25(04): 48-58.
[6] Komatsu S , Suzuki A .The Impact of Different Levels of Income Inequality on Subjective Well-Being in China: A Panel Data Analysis.The Chinese Economy, 2022, 56:104-123.
[7] Vezzoli M, Valtorta R R, Mari S, et al. Effects of objective and subjective indicators of economic inequality on subjective well‐being: Underlying mechanisms . Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 2023, 53(2): 85-100.
[8] Ngamaba K H, Panagioti M, Armitage C J. Income inequality and subjective well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Quality of Life Research, 2018, 27: 577-596.
[9] Haller, M., & Hadler, M. How social relations and structures can produce happiness and unhappiness: An international comparative analysis. Social Indicators Research,2006, 75(2), 169-216.
[10] Diener, E., Diener, M., & Diener, C. Factors predicting the subjective well-being of nations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1995,69(5), 851-864.
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[12] Verme, P. Life satisfaction and income inequality. Review of Income and Wealth,2011.
[13] Alesina, A., Tella, R. D., & Macculloch, R. Inequality and Happiness: Are Europeans and Americans Different? NBER Working Papers,2001.
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