Abstract
This research examines the relationship between family structure and subjective well-being and the extent to which cultural
differences across 24 countries/regions may condition that relationship. Using the 2002 ISSP data, we examine how the effects
of marriage status and the presence of children on happiness and satisfaction with family life differ according to the perceived
importance of marriage and parenthood in society. We find significant cross-country differences in the relationship between
presence of young children and the happiness of men, and in the relationship between the marital status of women and their
happiness and satisfaction with family life.
differences across 24 countries/regions may condition that relationship. Using the 2002 ISSP data, we examine how the effects
of marriage status and the presence of children on happiness and satisfaction with family life differ according to the perceived
importance of marriage and parenthood in society. We find significant cross-country differences in the relationship between
presence of young children and the happiness of men, and in the relationship between the marital status of women and their
happiness and satisfaction with family life.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-24
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9340-8
- Authors
- Sofie Vanassche, Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Sociological Research, Parkstraat 45 (bus 3601), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Gray Swicegood, Department of Sociology, University of Illinois, 57 Computer applications building, 605 East Springfield Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Koen Matthijs, Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Sociological Research, Parkstraat 45 (bus 3601), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978