A happiness test of human capital theory

Piper, Alan T. (2012): A happiness test of human capital theory.

Abstract

This paper tests whether there are wider considerations for undertaking than just income enhancements and improved working conditions. Hence, the investigation here is to ascertain whether there is a happiness premium to education over and above any human capital benefits? A novel feature of the paper is the extended methodological discussion which results from the finding of omitted dynamics. This complicates the analysis, and means that standard FE methods are not wholly appropriate. The discussion details the options available, and offers advice for happiness research where there are omitted dynamics. The empirical results are broadly supportive of human capital theory, and suggest a substantial ‘structural break’ regarding gender.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Education; Human Capital Theory; Life Satisfaction
• Subjects: I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty > I31 - General Welfare, Well-Being; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I2 - Education and Research Institutions > I21 - Analysis of Education; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J2 - Demand and Supply of Labor > J24 - Human Capital ; Skills ; Occupational Choice ; Labor Productivity

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