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Income and Happiness: New Results from Generalized Threshold and Sequential Models

Author

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  • Stefan Boes

    (Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich)

  • Rainer Winkelmann

    (Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich)

Abstract

Empirical studies on the relationship between income and happiness commonly use standard ordered response models, the most well-known representatives being the ordered logit and the ordered probit. However, these models restrict the marginal probability effects by design, and therefore limit the analysis of distributional aspects of a change in income, that is, the study of whether the income effect depend on a person�s happiness. In this paper we pinpoint the shortcomings of standard models and propose two alternatives, namely generalized threshold and sequential models. With data of two waves of the German Socio-Economic Panel, 1984 and 1997, we show that the more general models yield different marginal probability effects than standard models.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Boes & Rainer Winkelmann, 2004. "Income and Happiness: New Results from Generalized Threshold and Sequential Models," SOI - Working Papers 0407, Socioeconomic Institute - University of Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:soz:wpaper:0407
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ordered response models; marginal effects; subjective well-being;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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