ABSTRACT
Cross-national studies suggest that people live happier in
nations where feminine values prevail, in particular in nations that are also
economically affluent. The first objective of the present study was to
replicate this finding with a final quality of life index which is more
comprehensive than the usual measure of subjective well-being. This
comprehensive indicator termed 'Happy life expectancy' (HLE) combines
subjective happiness with objective longevity. As predicted, HLE was higher in
nations where feminine values were strongly endorsed, and more so in rich (r=
+0.51, n=14, P<0.05) than in poor nations (r= +0.27, n=13,
NS). A second objective was to examine the mechanisms behind this relationship.
Contrary to expectation, the findings could not be explained by national
differences in private freedom