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Do happy individuals support government environmental spending? Evidence from the general social survey

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  • Dejan Glavas
  • Gilles Grolleau

Abstract

Using 49 years of General Social Survey data (1972–2021), we investigate the relationship between individual happiness and support for government environmental expenditure. Contrary to expectations, we find a negative correlation between higher levels of happiness and support for environmental spending. Employing various methods to address endogeneity, including bivariate probit and instrumental variable approaches, we uncover a non-linear relationship where individuals with greater life satisfaction are less likely to support government environmental expenditure. We also find that tax morale serves as a moderating factor in this relationship. We validate these findings using World Values Survey data from over a hundred countries. Our results challenge conventional assumptions about the link between personal well-being and environmental policy attitudes. This unexpected relationship suggests that policymakers should develop targeted strategies to engage happier individuals (especially those with low tax morale) in supporting environmental measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Dejan Glavas & Gilles Grolleau, 2026. "Do happy individuals support government environmental spending? Evidence from the general social survey," Policy Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(1), pages 72-97, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cposxx:v:47:y:2026:i:1:p:72-97
    DOI: 10.1080/01442872.2024.2431226
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