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Globally Happy: Individual Globalization, Expanded Capacities, and Subjective Wellbeing

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  • Ming-Chang Tsai
  • Heng-Hao Chang
  • Wan-chi Chen

Abstract

Deep integration of Asia into the global society necessarily affects wellbeing of local populations. This study proposes a notion of “extend capacities” to explain the relationships between individual globalization and subjective wellbeing among Asian populations in a context of increasing global integration. Using Amartya Sen’s theory of human capacities as a point of departure, we advance a distinctive list of expanded capacities, which includes English ability, global exposure and foreign contacts via jobs. Empirical findings from our multilevel analysis of a large sample from 14 Asian countries show the consistent impact of mastering a global lingua franca on job satisfaction, perceived life accomplishment, and happiness. Global exposure also generates some favorable influences. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Ming-Chang Tsai & Heng-Hao Chang & Wan-chi Chen, 2012. "Globally Happy: Individual Globalization, Expanded Capacities, and Subjective Wellbeing," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 108(3), pages 509-524, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:108:y:2012:i:3:p:509-524
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-011-9890-x
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    2. Florica Ortan & Ciprian Simut & Ramona Simut, 2021. "Self-Efficacy, Job Satisfaction and Teacher Well-Being in the K-12 Educational System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-32, December.
    3. Diane Perrons & Robin Dunford, 2013. "Regional development, equality and gender: Moving towards more inclusive and socially sustainable measures," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 34(3), pages 483-499, August.
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    5. Vanessa Sha Fan & Renuka Mahadevan, 2019. "The Role of Social Capital and Remote Chinese Villagers’ Well-Being," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 143(3), pages 1109-1128, June.

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