Piet Ouweneel and Ruut Veenhoven, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Published in: Bleichrodt, N & Drenth, P.J. (eds) 'Contemporary
issues in cross-cultural psychology, Swets & Zeitlinger, 1991, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, pp 168-184
ABSTRACT
There are sizeable differences in happiness between countries. These
differences are consistent across indicators and quite stable through time.
There is a little support for the view that these differences are due
to "cultural bias". In test performed here do not suggest that a great part of
the difference results from cultural differences in "language",
"desirability bias", "response tendencies" or "familiarity"
with the concept of happiness.
There is solid empirical support for the view that these differences
result from the fact that some societies provide their citizens with better living
conditions than others. The bulk of the variance in happiness can be explained by nation
characteristics such as economic prosperity, social security, political freedom, and
social equality.