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Multidimensional Flourishing in Africa: An Intracontinental Analysis of 38 Well-Being Indicators in 40 Countries

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  • Victor Counted

    (Regent University
    Harvard University)

  • Richard G. Cowden

    (Harvard University)

  • Timothy Lomas

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

Despite the rising global interest in well-being and its various dimensions, research in this area has been criticized for its Western-centric conceptual and geographical emphasis. In this cross-sectional study, we leverage more than 30 indicators of well-being from three years of Gallup World Poll (2020–2022) data to explore the diversity of well-being in nationally representative samples from 40 countries on the African continent (N = 90,093). Our descriptive analysis provided evidence of between-country differences in well-being, including among countries within the same region. There was also some evidence of within-country variation across the indicators of well-being. We draw on several theoretical perspectives to discuss the diverse experiences of well-being in the African context, highlighting the importance of applying a culturally sensitive lens to understanding and promoting well-being. Our descriptive exploration of multidimensional well-being in Africa shines a spotlight on a part of the world that has received comparatively less empirical attention in this area, and provides a useful foundation for future research toward building a more inclusive and diverse global picture of human flourishing.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Counted & Richard G. Cowden & Timothy Lomas, 2024. "Multidimensional Flourishing in Africa: An Intracontinental Analysis of 38 Well-Being Indicators in 40 Countries," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(5), pages 1-32, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:25:y:2024:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00764-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00764-5
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