THE HAPPINESS INDEX OF RURAL YOUTHS IN FARMING

The level of welfare is only measured using objective and subjective standards for all this time. The objective standard can be in the form of per capita income, while the subjective standard is a different standard for each individual, one of which is the happiness index. The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the level of happiness of rural youth in farming, (2) to determine the dominant factors determining the happiness of rural youth in farming, (3) to determine the motives of rural youth in farming, for the sake of wealth or happiness in life. This research was conducted in Gedangsewu Village, Pare District, and Kediri Regency in March-August 2021. The sampling technique in this study used a purposive sampling method with a total of 50 respondents. Determination of the weight of the happiness indicator using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method. The analytical method used to determine the level of happiness of young farmers is the method of calculating the happiness index. The happiness index score of rural youth in farming is 68.30 (more than 55) which means that village youth are happy with their work as farmers, but the score is still below the average score of the national happiness level (72).The indicator of the purpose of life in the dimension of the meaning of life is the dominant factor determining the happiness of young farmers. The motive of rural youth in farming is more inclined to inner happiness than wealth. This can be categorized as a moral cultural base motive.