Happiness Inequality in Post-Socialist Countries during Neoliberal Transition

Abstract

Both average levels of happiness and its distribution have dramatically changed with neoliberal transition in post-socialist countries that have been marked by chronic unhappiness. This study aims to describe the distribution of happiness by showing its levels and trajectories, and investigates the factors explaining it. The descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis were conducted by using cross-national survey data and a dataset covering country indicators. The findings show an inverse V-shaped pattern for changes in happiness inequality, although there are notable differences between individual countries. Income inequality explains cross-national differences in distribution of happiness during the first intensive reform years. However, objective health status and social trust are the most important predictors in explaining happiness inequality in consolidation and convergence periods.