Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Series: Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers
Creation-Date: 2002-02-15
Number: 02-020/3
Author-Name: Ada Ferrer-i-Carbonell
Author-Email: a.ferrercarbonell@uva.nl
Author-Workplace-Name: SEO, Amsterdam Economics, Faculty of Economics and Econometrics,University of Amsterdam
Title: Subjective Questions to Measure Welfare and Well-being
Abstract: This paper provides arguments in favor of using subjective questions as a proxy to measure welfare and well-being. This approach makes it possible to avoid having to define welfare and well-being means and having to identify the relevant indicators. Instead, individuals themselves define their level of welfare and well-being. For a meaningful analysis of subjective questions, two main assumptions are needed: namely, that individuals are able to evaluate their own situation, and that responses among individuals can be compared. Both assumptions are discussed here. Next, empirical studies that use subjective questions are surveyed. This offers a fIrst approximation of the structure of individual well-being and preferences. Finally, four areas of application are identified, along with a short survey of relevant studies.
Classification-JEL: D6; I30; I31
Keywords: Preferences; Satisfaction; Welfare measurement; Well-being measurement
File-Url: https://papers.tinbergen.nl/02020.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 94165 bytes
Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20020020