City Research Online

Abstract

This thesis investigates whether macroeconomic and political conditions, governments’ and individuals’ political orientation and citizens’ confidence in national institutions are associated with citizens’ subjective well-being in Latin America. The work presented in this thesis aims to contribute to the large body of research that examines subjective well-being as a measure of social well-being and progress. This thesis focuses on Latin America, a region with a turbulent economic and political past that has rarely been the centre of subjective well-being studies. Specifically, I explore the association between economic and political indicators in a period of profound economic reforms in the region (1996-2016). The study included in chapter 2 demonstrates that trends and fluctuations of economic indicators are associated with trends and fluctuations of subjective well-being. Chapter 3 shows that governments’ and individuals’ political orientation are associated with citizens’ subjective well-being and that subjective well-being varies over the electoral cycle. Chapter 4 provides evidence that citizens’ confidence in national institutions is positively associated with citizens’ subjective well-being. Finally, chapter 5 demonstrates that income inequality, one of the most relevant socio-economic problems of the region, moderates the association between income rank (a measure that involves comparisons of income) and subjective well-being. The studies included in this thesis reveal how economic and political conditions are associated with one of the ultimate goals of every society, citizens’ wellbeing, in a region with a turbulent economic and political past like Latin America.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses

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