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Can Religion Insure against Aggregate Shocks to Happiness? The Case of Transition Countries

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  • Olga Popova

Abstract

This paper focuses on the effects of reforms and happiness in transition economies. previous literature suggest that religiousness insures happiness against individual stressful life events, such as unemployment, disability, or marital separation. I estimate an econometric model to study if religion also insures against aggregate shocks to happiness, such as reforms and various changes in political, economic, and social life. The model accounts for the endogeneity of religion and analyzes the effects of religion on life satisfaction, and perceptions of the current economic and political situation in transition countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Popova, 2010. "Can Religion Insure against Aggregate Shocks to Happiness? The Case of Transition Countries," CERGE-EI Working Papers wp425, The Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education - Economics Institute, Prague.
    • Handle: RePEc:cer:papers:wp425
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    happiness; life satisfaction; religion; reforms; transition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • P20 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - General
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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