Unraveling the nexus: Subjective well-being and left-behind places

Abstract

This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the complex phenomenon of being left behind at the regional level, aiming to connect it with the extensive body of literature on subjective well-being and its various facets. We argue that different types of regional left-behindness—economic, demographic, and infrastructural—have varying impacts on subjective well-being, specifically measured through life satisfaction. These impacts are shaped by regional dynamics that significantly influence individuals' perspectives. To explore this argument, we utilize data collected from 7083 individuals surveyed across 12 European Union member states at the NUTS3 level, supplemented with regional left-behind typologies. By employing a multi-level analysis framework, incorporating individual and regional-level characteristics, we assess the impact of regional left-behindness on individual life satisfaction. Our findings suggest that not all aspects of left-behindness equally affect life satisfaction. Regions characterized by economic decline, deindustrialization, lack of accessibility, and high poverty rates exhibit a statistically significant negative correlation with life satisfaction. Throughout our analysis, we control for individual characteristics such as gender, age, employment and marital status to mitigate confounding effects. The study provides insights that can inform policy to strategically enhance the appeal of regions and improve the overall level of life satisfaction, in order to retain existing residents or attract newcomers.