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Heritage Engagement and Subjective Well-Being in the European Union

Author

Listed:
  • Victoria Ateca-Amestoy

    (Department of Economic Analysis, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48015 Bilbao, Spain)

  • Anna Villarroya

    (Department of Economics, University of Barcelona, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
    Centre of Research in Information, Communication and Culture (CRICC) University of Barcelona, 08014 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Andreas Joh. Wiesand

    (European Institute for Comparative Cultural Research (ERICarts), 50999 Cologne, Germany)

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the relationship between different ways of getting engaged with cultural heritage and life satisfaction. Using data from a representative sample of the population of the 28 members of the European Union in 2017 collected in the Eurobarometer 88.1 (2017), we explore the relationship between use and non-use values and individual subjective well-being measured as life satisfaction. We present the results derived from the estimation of an ordered probit model where life satisfaction is a function of living near to heritage resources to represent non-use values, different ways of heritage participation (tangible, intangible, digital, and volunteering), and the usual explanatory variables that have been found to be predictors of life satisfaction. Our results indicate that the chances of being more satisfied with ones’ life increase with volunteering activities, with visits to heritage institutions, and with digital engagement. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the multifaceted values of heritage.

Suggested Citation

  • Victoria Ateca-Amestoy & Anna Villarroya & Andreas Joh. Wiesand, 2021. "Heritage Engagement and Subjective Well-Being in the European Union," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9623-:d:622894
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    2. Jelena Ristić Trajković & Aleksandra Milovanović & Ana Nikezić, 2021. "Reprogramming Modernist Heritage: Enhancing Social Wellbeing by Value-Based Programming Approach in Architectural Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-30, October.
    3. Bertacchini, Enrico & Venturini, Alessandra & Misuraca, Roberta & Zotti, Roberto, 2022. "Exploring the relationship between subjective well-being and diversity and intensity in cultural consumption," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 202219, University of Turin.
    4. Bertacchini, Enrico & Bolognesi,Valentina & Venturini,Alessandra & Zotti,Roberto, 2021. "The Happy Cultural Omnivore? Exploring the Relationship between Cultural Consumption Patterns and Subjective Well-Being," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 202116, University of Turin.
    5. Maria Carella & Roberta Misuraca, 2025. "Gender Differences and Physical Limitations in the Association Between Subjective Well-Being and Cultural Consumption Among Older People," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(3), pages 1-27, March.

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