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Relative comparisons and economics: empirical evidence

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  • Mary C. Daly
  • Daniel J. Wilson

Abstract

This Letter reviews the empirical evidence on the extent to which individuals' sense of well-being or happiness is related to metrics of the well-being of others.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary C. Daly & Daniel J. Wilson, 2007. "Relative comparisons and economics: empirical evidence," FRBSF Economic Letter, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, issue oct5.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedfel:y:2007:i:oct5:n:2007-30
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Erzo F. P. Luttmer, 2005. "Neighbors as Negatives: Relative Earnings and Well-Being," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 120(3), pages 963-1002.
    2. Alpizar, Francisco & Carlsson, Fredrik & Johansson-Stenman, Olof, 2005. "How much do we care about absolute versus relative income and consumption?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 56(3), pages 405-421, March.
    3. Easterlin, Richard A., 1974. "Does Economic Growth Improve the Human Lot? Some Empirical Evidence," MPRA Paper 111773, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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