Single-person, elderly, and low-income households are less likely to say "I am happy"

'KOSTAT Statistics Plus' on the 23rd

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] A study has found that South Koreans are not as happy as their economic level would suggest. Happiness inequality was also significant, with single-person households, elderly, and low-income families being less happy.

The Statistics Development Institute published the winter 2022 issue of 'KOSTAT Statistics Plus' on the 23rd, releasing an issue analysis titled "Happiness of Koreans, What Should Be Done?" According to the study, South Korea belongs to a group of countries where the happiness level of the people is low relative to the level of economic growth. Among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries, the happiness level of the people was relatively low, while the level of happiness inequality was relatively high.

When examining the happiness scores (0?10 points) of Koreans by age group, the elderly group aged 75 and over responded with low happiness scores between 1 and 5 points. The age groups that chose the lowest happiness score of 0 points were also those aged 65?74 and 75 and over. The age group with the lowest proportion of the highest score of 10 points was also 65?74 years old.

Looking at households, single-person households felt unhappy. More than half of single-person households, 51.5%, responded within this range, indicating relatively low happiness scores (1?6 points). From scores above 7, the response rate of single-person households began to decline. In contrast, those belonging to four-person households and households with five or more members chose higher happiness scores (7?10 points).

Social relationships also influenced happiness. Those dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their current social relationships responded with low happiness scores. Among those unsatisfied with their social relationships, 7.1% chose a happiness score of 0 points. The response rate for 1 point was also 15.8%.

Happiness levels also varied according to educational attainment. The group with a high school diploma or less had a higher proportion of responses with relatively low happiness scores of 5 points or less compared to other age groups. The happiness levels of university or graduate students were concentrated around 7?8 points, indicating relatively high happiness levels. Even after graduating from university or graduate school, the response rate for 8?9 points remained high.

Kim Seong-a, Associate Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, explained, "South Korea, where happiness levels are low, has relatively low welfare state levels, that is, the scale of social expenditure among OECD member countries," adding, "To enhance the happiness of Koreans, the state must actively play the role of a welfare state for vulnerable groups in terms of happiness."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.