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Are We Happy Yet? Revisiting Life Satisfaction in Eastern Europe

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  • Mladjan, Mrdjan
  • Nikolova, Elena

Abstract

This chapter revisits the scholarship on life satisfaction in Eastern Europe. We first look at the broader drivers of life satisfaction identified in the literature. Then, we discuss the 'happiness gap' in Eastern Europe - the observed difference between the self-declared happiness of residents of former communist countries and the residents of other countries. Explanations for the happiness gap are considered, with a focus on Eastern Orthodox religion.

Suggested Citation

  • Mladjan, Mrdjan & Nikolova, Elena, 2025. "Are We Happy Yet? Revisiting Life Satisfaction in Eastern Europe," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1619, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1619
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • P29 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Other
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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