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Human Capital Endowments and Gender Differences in Subjective Well-Being in Chile

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  • Javier G. Boncompte

    (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile)

  • Ricardo D. Paredes

    (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Duoc UC)

Abstract

We study the gender life satisfaction gap by using a non-linear version of the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition to isolate the effect of human capital inequalities among men and women in Chile, a country with one of the lowest female labor force participation in the world. We test gender bias hypotheses through the way each individual values their own income in relation to their partner’s. We provide evidence the gender life satisfaction gap favoring men can be more than fully explained by the differences in endowments (e.g., income and education). Nonetheless, there are structural disparities in the way men and women value their endowments, especially their income and labor status. Regarding the partner’s income, we found personal income is always more valued than the partners, and that this difference is higher in the case of men. Finally, we find differences in the valuation of being out of the labor force. We interpret these findings as consequence of a high degree of sexism prevailing in Chile, which masks the full effect of material inequalities in people’s lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier G. Boncompte & Ricardo D. Paredes, 2020. "Human Capital Endowments and Gender Differences in Subjective Well-Being in Chile," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 241-269, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:21:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-019-00085-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-019-00085-y
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    3. Long Niu & Chuntian Lu & Rui Sun, 2023. "The Impact of Livelihood Capital on Subjective Well-Being of New Professional Farmers: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-17, July.

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