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The Socio-Demographic Determinants Of Self-Rated Happiness: The Case Of Penang, Malaysia

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  • CHEAH, YONG KANG
  • TANG, CHOR FOON

Abstract

In view of the importance of happiness, the present study aims to investigate the sociodemographic determinants of happiness among Penang (Malaysia) adults. An ordered probit model and a primary survey data with a total of 398 observations are used in this study. The results reveal that ethnicity, marital status and education are statistically significant in determining individuals' happiness, whereas income, gender, age, employment status and presence of chronic diseases are not statistically significant in determining individuals' happiness. Based on these observed outcomes, several policy implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheah, Yong Kang & Tang, Chor Foon, 2013. "The Socio-Demographic Determinants Of Self-Rated Happiness: The Case Of Penang, Malaysia," Hitotsubashi Journal of Economics, Hitotsubashi University, vol. 54(1), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:hit:hitjec:v:54:y:2013:i:1:p:1-16
    DOI: 10.15057/25779
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    Cited by:

    1. Tuyen Quang Tran & Cuong Viet Nguyen & Huong Vu, 2018. "Does Economic Inequality Affect the Quality of Life of Older People in Rural Vietnam?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 781-799, March.
    2. Tuyen Quang Tran & Thanh Quy Nguyen & Huong Vu & Tinh Thanh Doan, 2017. "Religiosity and Subjective Well-Being Among Old People: Evidence from a Transitional Country," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 12(4), pages 947-962, December.
    3. Quang Tran, Tuyen & Quy Nguyen, Thanh & Vu Van, Huong & Thanh Doan, Tinh, 2015. "Religiosity and life satisfaction among old people: Evidence from a transitional country," MPRA Paper 81360, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 10 Jun 2015.
    4. Thomas Wai-Kee Yuen & Winnie Wan-Ling Chu, 2015. "Happiness in ASEAN member states," International Journal of Happiness and Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 2(1), pages 69-83.
    5. Tuyen Quang Tran & Huong Vu, 2018. "A microeconometric analysis of housing and life satisfaction among the Vietnamese elderly," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 52(2), pages 849-867, March.
    6. Quang Tran, Tuyen & Viet Nguyen, Cuong & Van Vu, Huong, 2015. "Economic Inequality and Happiness: A quantitative study among the elderly in Rural Vietnam," MPRA Paper 81235, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 14 Oct 2016.
    7. Lim, Hock-Eam & Duan, Hongbo, 2015. "Should We Blame The Graduates For Their Unemployment? A Happiness Approach," Hitotsubashi Journal of Economics, Hitotsubashi University, vol. 56(2), pages 243-258, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    education; happiness; health; income; Malaysia; well-being;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General

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