Abstract
In this article welfare systems and support networks are empirically analyzed to determine which generate the highest level of subjective well-being among retired persons. Propositions derived from support network theories and national welfare system typologies have been analyzed using causal models that indicate the influence of the various welfare systems and support networks on subjective well-being. The data was taken from the Social Relations and Social Support Systems module of the 2001 International Social Survey Program. The results indicate that liberal welfare systems generate the highest level of subjective well-being. This correlates with a lower degree of confidence in the welfare state, greater interpersonal trust and greater belief in individuals and their capacity to secure their own well-being. In the sphere of material well-being the subjective well-being of individuals is affected by a greater trust in people than in the state.
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Notes
Obviously another group could be added, composed of the countries that do not form part of the prior groups.
The survey data used in this article were documented and made available by the Central Archive for Empirical Social Research at the University of Cologne. The data for the ‘ISSP’ were collected by independent institutions in each country. Neither the original data collectors nor the Central Archive bear any responsibility for the analyses or interpretation herein. Additional information is available at: http://www.issp.org/.
Although at the time of the survey East and West Germany were two separate states, today they are one country and have been aggregated as Germany in our analysis.
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Acknowledgments
Financial support for this research was provided by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Project # PSI2008-01937. I am indebted to Carlos Gamero for computing assistance.
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Requena, F. Welfare Systems, Support Networks and Subjective Well-Being Among Retired Persons. Soc Indic Res 99, 511–529 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-010-9596-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-010-9596-5