Life satisfaction in Malawi and the importance of relative consumption, polygamy and religion

Hinks, T. (2008) Life satisfaction in Malawi and the importance of relative consumption, polygamy and religion. Journal of International Development, 20 (7). pp. 888-904. ISSN 0954-1748

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jid.1470

Abstract

Happiness equations for Malawi are estimated using a new household survey. It is apparent that absolute consumption level is strongly associated with satisfaction. Both objective and subjective relative consumption in the neighbourhood is positively associated with satisfaction. Male satisfaction is associated strongly with relative consumption but female satisfaction is not. Separated or widowed females are less happy than males indicating a vulnerability that acts as a disincentive to leave husbands during marital problems. Polygamous females in traditional religions are less satisfied than other females whilst there is some evidence that male Muslims in polygamous relationships are more satisfied.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Malawi, Africa, life satisfaction, relative consumption, religion, polygamy, gender
Faculty/Department:	~Pre-2010 Faculty Structure > Bristol Business School Faculty of Business and Law > Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance ~Pre-2012 Faculty Structure > Faculty of Business and Law > Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance
ID Code:	11603
Deposited By:	Dr T. Hinks
Deposited On:	15 Nov 2010 15:24
Last Modified:	06 Dec 2012 22:31