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Income, working hours, and happiness

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  • Pouwels, Babette
  • Siegers, Jacques
  • Vlasblom, Jan Dirk

Abstract

In empirical analyses, the effect of income on happiness tends to be underestimated by ignoring the fact that income has to be earned. Using the German Socio-Economic Panel, our analysis confirms this tendency. For men, the underestimation amounts to 25%.

Suggested Citation

  • Pouwels, Babette & Siegers, Jacques & Vlasblom, Jan Dirk, 2008. "Income, working hours, and happiness," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 99(1), pages 72-74, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:99:y:2008:i:1:p:72-74
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto Alesina & Edward Glaeser & Bruce Sacerdote, 2005. "Work and Leisure in the U. S. and Europe: Why so Different?," Harvard Institute of Economic Research Working Papers 2068, Harvard - Institute of Economic Research.
    2. Alison L. Booth & Jan C. Van Ours, 2009. "Hours of Work and Gender Identity: Does Part‐time Work Make the Family Happier?," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 76(301), pages 176-196, February.
    3. Easterlin, Richard A., 1974. "Does Economic Growth Improve the Human Lot? Some Empirical Evidence," MPRA Paper 111773, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Easterlin, Richard A., 1995. "Will raising the incomes of all increase the happiness of all?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 35-47, June.
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