HAPPINESS AND HAPPINESS INEQUALITY IN AZERBAIJAN: RESULTS WITH SINGLE-ITEM AND MULTIPLE-ITEM CONSTRUCTS

• Published in: Economics & sociology Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 244 - 263
• Main Author: Aliyev, Khatai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ternopil Centre of Sociological Research (NGO) 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Age groups; Educational attainment; Employment; GDP; Gender identity; Gross Domestic Product; Happiness; Income inequality; Inequality; Life satisfaction; Marital status; Measures; Polls & surveys; Public policy; Quality of life; Residential areas; Society; Sociodemographics; Validity; Azerbaijan
• ISSN: 2071-789X; 2306-3459
• DOI: 10.14254/2071789X.2023/16-4/12

This paper compares the performance of the single-item (a 1-10 scale) and multiple-item constructs (Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), 5-item and 7-item life domain scales) employed to measure happiness and happiness inequality based on the same survey data. Using a cross-sectional dataset of 2208 respondents from Azerbaijan, the study examines the reliability and validity of each scale. Further, it discusses the scales predicted happiness and happiness inequality indicators within the aggregate sample and sub-samples of specific sociodemographic groups. The research results confirm die reliability and validity of multiple-item constructs. In fact, diere is a strong positive correlation between all die examined constructs of happiness. Interestingly, the mean happiness predicted by die single-item, SWLS, 5-item, and 7-item life domain scales does not vary much. The mean happiness percentage of die highest score in each construct varies witiiin [50.8%; 62.1%] for the aggregate sample. SWLSs happiness prediction is lower than that of others by 7-11 percentage points, followed by the 5item life domain scale and the single-item scale. The happiness prediction difference between the single-item construct and the 7-item life domain scale is negligible. In terms of predicting happiness inequality, the 7-item life domain scale displays the least dispersion as per both standard deviation and coefficient of variation indicators. Conversely, the single-item construct yields the largest variability. Research findings are consistent regardless of age groups, gender identity, educational attainment level, marital status, employment status, and residential area. The overall recommendation is to use a multiple-item life domains scale to measure happiness and happiness inequality in a society, as it offers a broader perspective for using happiness research findings in improving public policy efficiency.