Countries across the world have released a conscious and unconscious message that positive economic performance means more happiness for a nation. When determining what factors impact the pursuit of happiness for an individual, it is often assumed that income is key. This thesis observes the opposing views that economists have on happiness. The following variables will be addressed. Per capita income, life expectancy, level of education, the quintile ratio, gender labor force participation inequality, gender income inequality, gender inequality index, gender suicide rate inequality, inequality within country life expectancy, inequality within country educational attainment, and inequality within country income are used to predict how socio-economic measures of economic disparity impact the happiness index across nations. In summary, are happier societies, also more equitable societies?
The economic modeling of happiness was informed by the following hypotheses:
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As human development indicators rise, does happiness increase?
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As gender disparity indicators decrease, does happiness increase?
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As human development within country inequality decreases, does happiness increase?
After running multiple regression tests, my findings are still being analyzed, however I am anticipating to find results that align with my hypotheses.
