Configurations of Economic, Social, and Political Conditions for National Subjective Well-Being: - A Fuzzy-Set QCA of OECD Countries -
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This study investigates the association between macro-level national characteristics and subjective well-being (SWB) using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of 36 OECD countries. It explores how different configurations of economic, social, and political conditions combine to shape national levels of SWB. By adopting a configurational approach, this research demonstrates that well-being results from the intersection of multiple structural factors rather than from isolated variables. The findings are largely consistent with previous studies, showing that high national income, strong social and political trust, and effective governance constitute sufficient conditions for higher levels of SWB. In addition, low economic polarization and generous welfare policies are associated with enhanced national well-being. Notably, stable democracy and the absence of a communist legacy also emerge as sufficient conditions for achieving high SWB among citizens. These results suggest that historical characteristics may serve as enduring determinants of well-being, supporting the theory of a persistent “trap of low SWB.” To escape this trap, progress across all relevant dimensions—economic, social, political, and institutional—is required for nations aspiring to achieve high levels of subjective well-being.
Abstract
This study investigates the association between macro-level national characteristics and subjective well-being (SWB) using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of 36 OECD countries. It explores how different configurations of economic, social, and political conditions combine to shape national levels of SWB. By adopting a configurational approach, this research demonstrates that well-being results from the intersection of multiple structural factors rather than from isolated variables. The findings are largely consistent with previous studies, showing that high national income, strong social and political trust, and effective governance constitute sufficient conditions for higher levels of SWB. In addition, low economic polarization and generous welfare policies are associated with enhanced national well-being. Notably, stable democracy and the absence of a communist legacy also emerge as sufficient conditions for achieving high SWB among citizens. These results suggest that historical characteristics may serve as enduring determinants of well-being, supporting the theory of a persistent “trap of low SWB.” To escape this trap, progress across all relevant dimensions—economic, social, political, and institutional—is required for nations aspiring to achieve high levels of subjective well-being.