Abstract
How globalization affects subjective happiness is highly disputed. Several studies use an index that amalgamates globalization’s
different dimensions into a single variable. Unlike previous studies and in order to better illuminate its facets, we adopt
a disaggregated perspective on trade (policy) data. Distinguishing actual trade flows and the option value of trade, we find
the former to slightly depress happiness, the latter to significantly promote happiness. Segmentation of WVS-data shows that
the positive connotation is concentrated in low-income countries still in the process of climbing the income ladder, thus
backing the notion of a shift in values.
different dimensions into a single variable. Unlike previous studies and in order to better illuminate its facets, we adopt
a disaggregated perspective on trade (policy) data. Distinguishing actual trade flows and the option value of trade, we find
the former to slightly depress happiness, the latter to significantly promote happiness. Segmentation of WVS-data shows that
the positive connotation is concentrated in low-income countries still in the process of climbing the income ladder, thus
backing the notion of a shift in values.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s11205-012-0122-9
- Authors
- Barbara Dluhosch, Department of Economics, Helmut Schmidt University—University FAF Hamburg, Holstenhofweg 85, 22043 Hamburg, Germany
- Daniel Horgos, Department of Economics, Helmut Schmidt University—University FAF Hamburg, Holstenhofweg 85, 22043 Hamburg, Germany
- Journal Social Indicators Research
- Online ISSN 1573-0921
- Print ISSN 0303-8300