National Affluence Strengthens the Positive Association Between Perceived Social Mobility and Subjective-Well-Being.

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that perceived social mobility increases, whereas income inequality decreases, subjective well-being (SWB). Using the World Values Survey (Wave 7) data, this study examined whether national affluence moderated the effects of perceived social mobility and attitude toward income equality on individual SWB (life satisfaction and global happiness). Hierarchical linear modeling found that people who perceived greater social mobility, and those who valued incentivizing individual effort (over income equality), reported higher SWB. Moreover, national affluence moderated the effects of perceived mobility. The positive impact of perceived mobility on SWB was amplified in richer than poorer countries. The findings suggest that policies seeking to enhance well-being should focus not only on objective economic conditions but also people's perceptions of inequality and social status. For instance, policies that bolster perceptions of social mobility (e.g., providing low-cost quality education or housing for all) could enhance SWB, but more so in wealthier countries.