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Social Equity Perception and Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Fan Yang

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yadan Li

    (Sichuan University)

  • Shaohua Zhu

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yaling Luo

    (Sichuan University)

  • Shuhan Yan

    (Nankai University)

  • Yao Jiang

    (Nankai University
    Australian National University
    Xihua University)

Abstract

Belief in social equity is not just a moral imperative; it is a crucial pillar supporting individual well-being. This study uses nationally representative survey data to examine the relationship between social equity perception and individual subjective well-being in China. The results indicate that social equity perception plays a significantly positive role in subjective well-being, especially for individuals with lower subjective socioeconomic status. The confounding summary of the mediating test reveals that social trust, future expectations, and prosocial behavior collectively explain 37.29% of the association between social equity perception and subjective well-being. Robustness analyses are conducted using sub-group regression, an IV-ordered probit estimation, and a plausible exogenous instrument estimation. Findings are consistent across various models and assumptions. Overall, the findings suggest that improving social equity perception is conducive to enhancing individual subjective well-being. This study highlights the need for and importance of fostering the perception of social equity among the public.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan Yang & Yadan Li & Shaohua Zhu & Yaling Luo & Shuhan Yan & Yao Jiang, 2025. "Social Equity Perception and Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from China," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(6), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00920-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00920-5
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