Personal economic hardship, happiness, and political satisfaction : a cross-national analysis

Abstract

On the basis of cross-national survey data collected in 12 European democracies, we argue and demonstrate empirically that people who have experienced economic hardship are less satisfied with their lives and the performance of the political system. Moreover, we show that different kinds of economic hardship (financial and job-related difficulties) have separable effects on people's levels of happiness and political satisfaction. Finally, we hypothesize and show that economic distress that is personally experienced has a greater impact on life satisfaction than on satisfaction with the political system. Conversely, evaluations of the national economy affect political satisfaction more strongly than attitudes about one's life.