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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., 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.
    4. Easterlin, Richard A., 1974. "Does Economic Growth Improve the Human Lot? Some Empirical Evidence," MPRA Paper 111773, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Booth, A.L. & van Ours, J.C., 2006. "Hours of Work and Gender Identity : Does Part-time Work make the Family Happier?," Other publications TiSEM 9803eb73-e7f9-441f-9ffb-f, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
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