地域の貧困と人々の幸福度

抄録

In this paper, I examine how regional poverty affects happiness at an individual level based on the empirical studies by Alesina, Di Tella and MacCulloch (2004). I conduct the ordered probit analysis by using micro data from nationwide surveys, which is the Japanese General Social Survey, 2000 (JGSS). The results of the ordered probit model show that the effect on the poverty measure is significantly negative on happiness. I find that area level poverty affects negatively the rich current happiness assessment by individuals, even after controlling for various factors. Especially worth noting is that the income redistribution has a substantial influence on happiness.