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Contribution of Natural and Economic Capital to Subjective Well-Being: Empirical Evidence from a Small-Scale Society in Kodagu (Karnataka), India

Author

Listed:
  • Francisco Zorondo-Rodríguez

    (Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile
    Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    French Institute of Pondicherry)

  • Mar Grau-Satorras

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    French Institute of Pondicherry)

  • Jenu Kalla

    (French Institute of Pondicherry)

  • Katie Demps

    (Boise State University
    French Institute of Pondicherry)

  • Erik Gómez-Baggethun

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA))

  • Claude García

    (CIRAD
    ETH Zurich
    French Institute of Pondicherry)

  • Victoria Reyes-García

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
    Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)
    French Institute of Pondicherry)

Abstract

Subjective well-being is determined by several types of sources of satisfaction, defined as forms of capitals. Most of research has been focused on the links between economic capital and well-being, neglecting the contribution of other forms of capital as source of satisfaction. Here, we bring natural capital into the equation and explore the relations between economic and natural capital and subjective well-being. We approach well-being as a multidimensional concept and then focus on three of its dimensions: subsistence, security, and reproduction and care. Working with tribal communities from Kodagu (Karnataka, India), we found positive associations between economic and natural capital and subjective well-being. Nevertheless, the two types of capitals differed on their relative contribution to (a) overall subjective well-being and (b) the three selected dimensions. Natural capital can be more important than economic capital in fulfilling human well-being. Findings support ongoing calls for explicitly incorporating ecological assets and ecosystem services in the design of policies oriented to measure and improve well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Zorondo-Rodríguez & Mar Grau-Satorras & Jenu Kalla & Katie Demps & Erik Gómez-Baggethun & Claude García & Victoria Reyes-García, 2016. "Contribution of Natural and Economic Capital to Subjective Well-Being: Empirical Evidence from a Small-Scale Society in Kodagu (Karnataka), India," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 127(2), pages 919-937, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:127:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-015-0975-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-015-0975-9
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    4. Kaltenborn, Bjørn P. & Linnell, John D.C. & Baggethun, Erik Gómez & Lindhjem, Henrik & Thomassen, Jørn & Chan, Kai M., 2017. "Ecosystem Services and Cultural Values as Building Blocks for ‘The Good life’. A Case Study in the Community of Røst, Lofoten Islands, Norway," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 166-176.

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