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Happiness in Transition: The Case of Kyrgyzstan

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  • Ceema Namazie
  • Peter Sanfey
Abstract
We analyze self-reported measures of satisfaction with life in a transition country, Kyrgyzstan, using 1993 household survey data. We test whether higher levels of satisfaction are associated with greater economic well-being. This hypothesis is strongly supported by the data. Unhappiness is prevalent among older people, the unemployed, and those who are divorced. There appears to be little correlation between happiness and either gender or education level. We find some evidence that income relativities, as measured by perceived position on the wealth ladder, also have a strong effect on life satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Ceema Namazie & Peter Sanfey, 1998. "Happiness in Transition: The Case of Kyrgyzstan," Studies in Economics 9808, School of Economics, University of Kent.
    • Handle: RePEc:ukc:ukcedp:9808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Happiness; Kyrgyzstan; Transition; Welfare;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • P20 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - General

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