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Health, Wealth and Happiness: Why pursue a Higher Education?

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  • Joop Hartog
  • Hessel Oosterbeek

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

We explore the effect of schooling on health, wealth and happiness for a cohort of Dutch individuals born around 1940. We also use observations on childhood IQ and family background. The most fortunate group is the group with a non-vocational intermediate level education: they score highest on health, wealth and happiness. We find that IQ affects health, but not wealth or happiness. Family background level increases wealth, but neither health nor happiness. With a father who worked independently, health, wealth and happiness are higher.Women are a miracle: compared to men, they are less wealthy, equally healthy but they are definitely happier.

Suggested Citation

  • Joop Hartog & Hessel Oosterbeek, 1997. "Health, Wealth and Happiness: Why pursue a Higher Education?," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 97-034/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:19970034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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