Document Type

Honors Project

Publication Date

5-31-2017

Abstract

Subjective well-being has become increasingly more important as a guide for policy and welfare. This paper uses data from the World Bank Indicators and the World Values Survey to look at the intricate relationship between subjective well-being data, social capital, and the relative nature of human happiness. Subjective well-being data has recently become widely accepted in economics research and analyzed using econometric methods. In this study, I look at specific aspects of social capital across countries to easily compare individuals within countries with a standardized scale. I look at economic determinants and social capital determinants and their impact on happiness. I conclude that when social capital is accounted for, the impact of the social capital determinants on happiness persist to be significant even when the objective and subjective economic determinants of happiness are included as well.

Level of Honors

cum laude

Department

Economics

Advisor

Jonathan Lhost

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