Gender differences in subjective wellbeing in Japan: An intersectionality approach

Abstract

Aims

Studies on gender differences in wellbeing often use narrowly defined wellbeing measures and only focus on overall comparison of men and women. This study examined gender differences in diverse wellbeing metrics across various subgroups.

Method

Data were obtained from the Nikkei Gross Domestic Wellbeing Survey—a quarterly survey on wellbeing among a nationally representative sample of people in Japan who are ≥15 years old (from 2021 to 2023; n = 9080). Our wellbeing outcomes included life satisfaction, happiness, the human flourishing domains, balance and harmony, calmness, and interdependent happiness. Gender differences in mean wellbeing scores (men minus women) were computed in the overall sample and within each demographic subgroup, including age groups, household income levels, educational attainment, employment status, family structure, and residency.

Result

Overall, women scored higher in wellbeing metrics than men (e.g., the gap in mean life satisfaction: 0.55, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.47 to 0.64). This trend persisted across most subgroups, but there were no significant gender differences among teenagers (e.g., life satisfaction: −0.11, 95% CI: −0.53 to 0.32; composite flourishing score: −0.35, 95% CI: −2.14 to 1.42), individuals in their twenties (e.g., life satisfaction: 0.16, 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.41; composite flourishing score: 0.07, 95% CI: −0.97 to 1.11), and unmarried individuals with children (life satisfaction: −0.20, 95% CI: −0.84 to 0.45; composite flourishing score: −0.87, 95% CI: −3.46 to 1.72).

Conclusions

While women generally reported higher wellbeing, certain subgroups exhibited unique patterns. Understanding these dynamics can inform targeted interventions to promote equity in wellbeing across demographic groups.