Life satisfaction is a major social issue that is faced by many countries in the world with the United States being no exceptions. The issue has also prompted the establishment of distinct social classes in different societies. In essence, life satisfaction is affected by many factors including income level and marital status. Profoundly, people with low incomes are regarded as individuals with no value to the community whereas individuals with high incomes regarded as very important. It should be remarked that this has undeniably had a significant impact on the impoverished people as they see themselves discriminated by rich ones. Income level has also had a big impact on the social, economic and physical life of people. For this matter, it is essential for the people living in America and other countries to become entirely aware of the effects of income on one’s life satisfaction.
The rationale for Choosing the Topic
I chose my topic about life satisfaction about income level and marital status in the US since I am interested in finding more about the different issues affecting happiness. My interest stems from the need to understand whether human happiness depends on their income and the resulting relative status in the society. I am also determined in figuring out if marital status affects individuals’ quality of life or not. A comprehensive study on this issue would answer all my questions and explained whether individual life satisfaction relies on income and marital status or not.
Annotated Bibliography
Wang, Peng, Jay Pan, and Zhehui Luo. "The Impact of Income Inequality on Individual Happiness: Evidence from China." Social Indicators Research 121, no. 2 (2014), 413-435. Accessed February 9, 2018. doi:10.1007/s11205-014-0651-5.
Research Question: What is the impact of income inequality on individual happiness?
Relevance to my Research Question: Peng Wang, Pan Jay, and Luo Zhehui’s study were related to exploring the impact of income inequality on individual happiness. Their research is relevant to my study because it evaluates the various impacts of income inequalities on the population’s happiness. As such, my study is focused on assessing how income influences an individual’s quality of life.
Theory: The authors used the Tunnel Effect Theory that was proposed by Hirschman and Rothschild. It states that although individuals live in the same society or driving in the same tunnel whether in developing or developed countries, some are moving forward, and others are stuck behind. For those reasons, the theory highlights that the economy cannot constitute individuals with the same amount of money.
Methods " Data: The authors used Correlational Research Methods, majorly surveys. Peng Wang, Pan Jay, and Luo Zhehui used secondary data from the Chinese General Social Survey that contains statistics of social makeup of the Chinese population. They carried out the survey based on the increasing economic growth of China that was accompanied by high levels of income inequalities. It gives information on the relationship between individual’s happiness and income inequality that affirms the tunnel effect theory.
Results " Conclusion: The primary results of the research entailed that the rising income inequalities in China could aggravate many social and economic issues, slow down economic growth, intensifies social conflicts and violence. In fact, the authors allude in their study that there will be reduced social trust as well as tempering the health of individuals.
Generalizability: The scope of the review was focused on the individual happiness about income inequality. In the study, happiness was observed as the primary determinant of the quality of a person’s personal and social life. Ultimately, the findings of the study portrayed that the quality of life and happiness is based on the level of income and social status. However, the study does not address the same issue about the USA, which is the main aim of my current research. It indicates that there is a literature gap in the study of life satisfaction due to income disparities in the US.
Zagorski, Krzysztof, Mariah D. Evans, Jonathan Kelley, and Katarzyna Piotrowska. "Does National Income Inequality Affect Individuals’ Quality of Life in Europe? Inequality, Happiness, Finances, and Health." Social Indicators Research 117, no. 3 (2013), 1089-1110. Accessed February 12, 2018. doi:10.1007/s11205-013-0390-z.
Research Question: Does national income inequality affect individuals’ quality of life in Europe?
Relevance to my Research Question: Krzysztof Zagorski, D. Evans Mariah, Kelley Jonathan, and Piotrowska Katarzyna’s study was geared at finding out whether national income inequality affects individual’s quality of life in Europe. It is so relevant to my research because it avails the various ways through which income inequality impacts the quality of life and life satisfaction of the Europeans.
Theory: The Preferred Post-Materialist Theory was used, which links national level influence and inequality to individual subjective well-being/ happiness and outcome. It states that with increasing wealth, the post-natural values steadily increase in the advanced societies assisted by the replacement of intergeneration.
Methods " Data: Descriptive research methods were used. The authors incorporate the multiple aspects that mount to a better or quality life of the population that is, affordability of products and services, and the satisfaction of standard of living as well as self-rated health. The authors utilized the 2003 multi-level European quality of life survey that was conducted to evaluate the standards of living of individuals. They used secondary data from economic development, individual level, and national level to develop a hypothesis on what could be affecting the overall wellbeing of people.
Results " Conclusion: The national level of inequality (Gini coefficient) statistical results did not indicate any relationship of income inequality to someone’s wellbeing. In fact, the results portrayed that in advanced societies, income inequality does not decrease the commercial quality of life, welfare, as well as health. The results depicted that establishing policies to reduce income inequalities in developed societies is likely not to benefit the general public but single individuals. The authors also concluded that income inequality is traced to be the source of all social ills such as drug abuse, low status of women, short life expectancy, as well as small social mobility.
Generalizability: The scope of the study was focused on how income inequality affects the well-being and life satisfaction. In general, the effect of income inequality on health, finances, happiness, and welfare differs between the poor and the rich in advanced societies.
Lam, Kit-Chun J., and Pak-Wai Liu. "Socio-Economic Inequalities in Happiness in China and U.S." Social Indicators Research
116, no. 2 (2013), 509-533. Accessed February 13, 2018. doi:10.1007/s11205-013-0283-1.
Research Question: Do socio-economic inequalities influence levels of happiness in China and U.S?
Relevance to my Research Question: Kit-Chun Lam and Liu Pak-Wai’s study was aimed at finding out the socio-economic inequalities affecting happiness in China and United States. The research is significantly relevant to my research as it highlights the social and economic inequality aspects that affect the satisfaction of individuals in two distinct nations. The study not only provides elements of happiness in China and the US but also stipulates a broad understanding of the inequalities related to happiness not limited to income inequality.
Theory: The authors used various theories to depict the correlation of multiple determinants of happiness. These included the Relative Deprivation Theory and Adaption Hypothesis of Inglehart, Rabier, Krueger, and Kahneman. The Relative Deprivation Theory states that people become members of particular social movements depending on their assessment of what they believe they should have as compared to what other people have.
Methods " Data: The researchers used Correlation Research Methods especially the survey method to carry out the study; thus, utilizing secondary data. They used findings from the world values survey of 1995 and 2007. They also employed the Prohibit and ordinary least squares methods to estimate the impacts of different determinants of happiness.
Results " Conclusion: The primary results of their study indicated that socio-economic inequalities had been the primary cause of intensified differences in happiness in China. Nonetheless, the results showed that China's poor populations are the least happy even when income level tries to balance. Findings also indicated that more educated individuals are at least happier compared to those below high school attainment. Further, agriculturalists were reported to be the most miserable group that is becoming unhappier each new day. With the US, results indicated that there is no standard difference in happiness for education groups, non-agricultural workers, and agricultural workers. The findings also depicted that health care in both China and the US is a primary determinant of satisfaction. As such, provision of national health care services would improve social welfare.
Generalizability: The scope of the study was focused on the relationship between inequalities, income, health, and happiness in China and U.S. It also entailed finding out the relationship between other factors like education and life satisfaction.
Nguyen, Jeremy K., Christopher M. Fleming, and Jen-Je Su. "Does Income Inequality Make Us Less Happy?" Australian Economic Review 48, no. 1 (2015), 15-32. Accessed February 13, 2018. doi:10.1111/1467-8462.12083.
Research Question: Does income inequality make us less happy?
Relevance to my Research Question: Nguyen Jeremy, Christopher Fleming, and Jen-Je Su’s research were directed at exploring the linkage between income inequality and life satisfaction. In other words, the study was about the effect income inequality has on the life satisfaction of different individuals. The research is relevant to my topic of study because it explains the impact of income inequality on the life of an individual.
Theory: The authors demonstrated that higher income inequality goes hand in hand with lower self-rated life satisfaction among individuals and vice versa.
Methods " Data: The methods used are correlation research methods. To gather more and accurate information for the study, the biographers used surveys (secondary data) that had specific questions directed to the respondents. The responses from the respondents were of significant importance to the study as the researchers were able to measure the linkage between life satisfaction and income inequality, thus, achieving the objectives of the study.
Results " Conclusion: According to the study findings, it is remarked that income inequality greatly impacts life satisfaction positively in all the three given models considered. A person with a health condition that is either mild or moderate and being unemployed unquestionably reduces one’s life satisfaction since they are in a state of discomfort. Nguyen Jeremy, Christopher Fleming, and Jen-Je Su affirmed that life satisfaction is so common among persons during their early as well as late life. The biographers concluded that income inequality in Australia is more prevalent in the local region and undeniably has had an impact on life satisfaction of these people. The projected gradient is negative for wealthier individuals, yet evidence for the impoverished was inaccurate. Therefore, the study findings are vital for not only the researchers but also the world at large since they highlight the impact income inequality on life satisfaction.
Generalizability: The scope of the study entails measuring the life satisfaction, which was found to be sensitive to a person’s employment status and income as a measure of emotional health.
Schneider, Simone M. "Income Inequality and Subjective Wellbeing: Trends, Challenges, and Research Directions." Journal of Happiness Studies 17, no. 4 (2015), 1719-1739. Accessed February 10, 2018. doi:10.1007/s10902-015-9655-3.
Research Question: Does income inequality has an impact on subjective well-being?
Relevance to my Research Question: Schneider Simone’s study was aimed at finding out the consequences income inequality has on people’s happiness, and life satisfaction following a recent study carried out by wellbeing Link. Accordingly, these consequences can be either negative or positive regarding different people. The research is relevant to my topic of study for the reason that it discusses the impact of income inequality on individual well-being.
Theory: The author used the augmentation theory as he was not in accord with the wellbeing link findings. The augmentation theory states that people incorporate information gained by inconsistent cognition into their normal decision-making process.
Methods: To increase the validity of the study, Schneider Simone used qualitative research methods such as tables to illustrate different relevant information, thus, realizing secondary data. More so, observation method was used in a bid to gather accurate information for the study.
Results " Conclusions: According to Schneider Simone, the research findings were consistent as all families with strong egalitarian social status were happier than those having more hierarchical income status. The study also depicted that the higher the rate of income uneven distribution among individuals the lower the life-rated happiness. Schneider Simone explains that the study findings were limited because only two communities were studied. As such, he suggested that a more profound analysis of the topic should be carried out in future as well as an investigation on the SWB across several income structures. The author realized that another limitation of the study is that there was no definite answer as to whether or not individuals living with higher incomes live happily compared to the ones with low incomes.
Generalizability: For the above matter, the scope of the study brought about confusion among the readers as there was no definite answer to the study because of limited information.
Mikucka, Malgorzata, Francesco Sarracino, and Joshua K. Dubrow. "When Does Economic Growth Improve Life Satisfaction? Multilevel Analysis of the Roles of Social Trust and Income Inequality in 46 Countries, 1981–2012." World Development 93 (2017), 447-459. Accessed February 15, 2018. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.01.002.
Research Question: When does economic growth improve life satisfaction?
Relevance to my Research Question: Mikucka Malgorzata, Francesco Sarracino, and Joshua Dubrow conducted a study aimed at finding out when economic growth improves life satisfaction. In analyzing the topic of study, the authors discussed the impact of income inequality, which was making economic growth compatible. Imminently, the research is significant to my research as it explores the effect of income inequality on economic growth.
Theory: The researchers employed the Ricardian theory in its analysis. It states that adding more units of production factors while keeping the rest constant implies that the overall output increases to a point where it eventually starts falling.
Methods " Data: Correlational research methods were used in the research. For Mikucka Malgorzata, Francesco Sarracino and Joshua Dubrow to enhance the validity of the study they combined the macro and micro data from a large sample of countries. A multilevel data analysis of European values study and world values survey of income inequality and economic growth in 46 countries.
Results " Conclusions: The study results show that economic growth improves when income disparity reduces.
Generalizability: the scope of the study is great since it explores the relationship between income inequality and economic growth about life satisfaction. The authors used the best methods possible, and their sources of information were credible, which improves the reliability of the research outcomes.
Friman, Margareta, Tommy Gärling, Dick Ettema, and Lars E. Olsson. "How does Travel affect Emotional Well-Being and Life Satisfaction?" Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice 106 (2017), 170-180. Accessed February 14, 2018. doi:10.1016/j.tra.2017.09.024.
Research Question: How does travel affect emotional well-being and life satisfaction?
Relevance to my Research Question: The study conducted by Margareta Friman, Tommy Garling, Dick Ettema and Lars Olsson, was intended at studying the travel affects life satisfaction and emotional well-being of individuals. The research is relevant to my topic of study as it helps me understand the happiness in a person’s life
Theory: The authors used the consumer satisfaction theory as a basis for their study. It states that consumers make a cognitive comparison of expectations concerning a product and the expected performance.
Methods " Data: Correlation Research methods were used to obtain data. In fact, questionnaires were administered to 367 participants. Data from the questionnaires were assessed using PLS-SEM.
Results " Conclusions: The research explains that people often experiences regarding recalling, however, with the help of advanced technology such problems can be overcome. The study realizes that subjective well-being unquestionably has a significant impact on longevity, health as well as the success of a person.
Generalizability: The scope of the study explained the relationship between travel and emotional wellbeing of people as it affects life satisfaction. It is credible enough since direct questionnaires were administered to the population sample.
Maher, Jaclyn P., Aaron L. Pincus, Nilam Ram, and David E. Conroy. "Daily Physical Activity
and Life Satisfaction across Adulthood." Developmental Psychology
51, no. 10 (2015),
1407-1419. Accessed February 13, 2018.doi:10.1037/dev0000037.
Research Question: Does daily physical activity has an impact on life satisfaction across adulthood?
Relevance to my Research Question: The research is relevant to my study because it shows the physical activities that contribute to the life satisfaction of adults. Jaclyn P Maher, Pincus Aaron L, Ram Nilam, and E. Conroy E David’s study aimed at exploring the significance of physical activity in facilitating an individual’s life satisfaction.
Theory: The researchers employed life satisfaction theories and cognitive theory. It states that life satisfaction is a cognitive evaluation of a fundamental state believed to be comparatively consistent and inclined by social factors.
Methods " Data: The study employed intensive sampling design as a research method to collect data. Descriptive Statistics, Correlations, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients of Life Satisfaction, Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Other Variables of Interest were presented in tabular and graphical manner.
Results " Conclusions: The authors observed that the processes that contribute to happiness vary throughout the adult lifespan. Their research stipulates that the relationship between life satisfaction and physical activity in older adults seems to be like any usual activities that are, driven by more or less active individuals. Whereas, in younger adults, the study denotes that regular physical activities drive satisfaction.
Generalizability: The study portrayed the inconsistent, different segments regarding adult life satisfaction associations with physical activity. However, the research was centred on only adults; thus, it does not indicate how physical activity brings life satisfaction in children.
Thematic Literature Review
In a nutshell, the literature on life satisfaction has centralized on some significant considerable aspects. For instance, some of these are physical activity, relationship status, income inequality, and social class. Majorly, the literature has paid much attention to the impact of income inequality on individual satisfaction (Wang, Pan and Luo 2014; Nguyen, Fleming, Su 2015) This literature has pictured out on several occasions that income inequality has a high impact on an individual’s happiness. The authors explained that higher income inequality goes hand in hand with lower self-rated life satisfaction among individuals and vice versa. The findings of the studies are so vital to my topic of research as they highlight the impact income inequality has on a person’s well-being. Several studies alluded that income inequality also has an impact on social trust and human health as well (Ibid; Zagorski, Krzysztof, Mariah D. Evans, Jonathan Kelley, and KatarzynaPiotrowska 2013). Notably, these studies were conducted in two different areas with differing factors, thus, reducing the validity of the findings. However, with my topic of study that is aimed at exploring one particular area, it will help fill the gap realized in the research carried out by the researchers.
Likewise, some research literature attempted to find out the correlation between income inequality and happiness in different populaces including China and the USAWang, Peng, Jay Pan, and Zhehui Luo 2014; Lam, Kit-Chun J., and Pak-Wai Liu 2013). These researchers also incorporated other elements of happiness other than income. However, they found out that in China, for example, higher regional income is associated with lower life satisfaction of people. Also, socio-economic factors are greatly responsible for the variation in life satisfaction among people. Notably, these studies were carried out in various regions, which raise the issue of credibility and validity of the results in concluding. Thus, there exists a gap in research conducted in the USA, which makes my study significant in determining the relationship between life satisfaction and income inequality.
Several researchers have studied the relationship between individual’s well-being and travel and physical activity (Maher, Jaclyn P., Aaron L. Pincus, Nilam Ram, and David E. Conroy2015; Friman, Margareta, Tommy Gärling, Dick Ettema, and Lars E. Olsson 2017). The authors talk about physical activity being related to someone health, and travel satisfaction is to do with the useful evaluations that relate to specific context facts that rise as a result of momentary effects (Ibid; Ibid). For example, (Mikucka, Malgorzata, Francesco Sarracino, and Joshua K. Dubrow 2012) that progressive economic growth improves life satisfaction. The increased progress in economic growth would scientifically contribute to the level of life satisfaction as economic growth contributes to other general aspects of life. When an individual has positive economic growth, the levels of problems that are associated with dissatisfaction in life are solved. Life satisfaction is directly associated with economic growth as all other aspects of life are reliant on economic stability (Pilling, David 2018). A population with poor economic growth will always experience dissatisfaction in all other general aspects of life. The social status that plays a significant role in life satisfaction to most millennium American population is also dependent on economic growth. It is, therefore, true that progressive economic growth improves life satisfaction. All the authors tried to show how day to day activities can mount to physical, emotional, cognitive and wellbeing of an individual. Satisfaction of physical activity is seen to vary throughout the lifespan of an adult. Their research is relevant to my study as it points out the day to day activities that contribute to one’s satisfaction. Ultimately, the gap in their study is the authors do not show how the happiness of the different travel means differ and how physical activity ascertains satisfaction of an individual.
Some studies highlight that economic growth improves when income disparity reduces among individuals (Schneider, Simone M 2015; Mikucka, Malgorzata, Francesco Sarracino, and Joshua K. Dubrow 2017). Profoundly, the research conducted by the authors is relevant to my topic of study as they explore the effects income inequality has on one’s life satisfaction with workers being no exception. On the other hand, the gap identified in the study is relying on only multilevel analysis and do not consider other segments that contribute to life satisfaction of an individual.
Theory
There are several theories for the research on the influence of income level and marital status on life satisfaction among millennial Americans. The theories attempt to make sense of the existing independent variables in the research. The theory stipulates that life satisfaction is entirely dependent upon a discovery learning process because life satisfaction is associated with the disparity of independent variables like the income level and the marital status. The theories are as follows
Income level Theory. Many millennial Americans do not experience life satisfaction because of the income level. Majority of millennial Americans have a very limited income level which does not enable them to fulfil the requirements and desires that would result in life satisfaction. The ability to have a high-income level is directly associated with the chances of having a greater life satisfaction. The American millennial population exists in a society that has a lot of disparity when it comes to the individual and family wealth which is considered as a determinant of the income level of a young American millennial. The millennials who come from rich and able families are considered to have a greater level of life satisfaction compared to those from the families that are considered poor. The American millennial population would also consider the job availability and rewards of a given job as a determinant of the income level and consequently the level of life satisfaction (Wang, Pan and Luo 2014).
Marital Status. The American millenniums do not experience life Satisfaction because of the marital status. The amount of emotional investments input by American millennials on relationships and marital status almost dictates the entirety of the contributors to life satisfaction. If the marital status of an individual member of an American population is considered to have a lot of negative characteristics like a bitter relationship, marriage or divorce, the level of life satisfaction is affected. The individual with a happier marital status either single or married experience a more fulfilling life satisfaction. When a millennial American marital status is single, the ability to achieve life satisfaction is more likely that when married. The reason for the higher likelihood of life satisfaction in a single marital status the fact that there are fewer responsibilities of the immediate family to worry about than when in a married relationship (Maher, Jaclyn P., Aaron L. Pincus, Nilam Ram, and David E. Conroy 2015).
Crafting the Hypothesis from Research Question
The hypothesis is based on the research question what is the influence of income level and marital status on life satisfaction among Millennial Americans? The hypothesis gives the IV1 Concept which is the Income level. The IV2 Concept which is the marital status the DV concept which is the life satisfaction. The population of the study is the millennial Americans, and the unit of analysis is the millennial Americans. The following are the crafted hypothesis for the research.
Null 1: “In comparison to the American millennial population, we hypothesize that an increase in the income level will be associated with no change in the life satisfaction, all else equal.”
Null 2: “In comparison to the American millennial population, we hypothesize that an increase in marital status will be associated with no change in the life satisfaction, all else equal.”
H1: “In comparison to the millennial Americans, we hypothesize that an increase in life satisfaction will be associated with an increase in income level, all else equal.”
H2: “In comparison to the millennial Americans, we hypothesize that an increase in life satisfaction will be associated with the marital status, all else equal
The hypothesis explains the relationship and the effect of the research question-based on the existing facts of the research. The hypothesis proposes a comparison of the concept variables of income levels and marital status and their direct variable of life satisfaction. The variable concepts of income levels and marital status are based on the social, economic status that determines the income level and the relationships of the marital status. The concept of life satisfaction among the population unit of study which is American millennials directly associates with these existing variables when all other factors are constant. As illustrated by the theory and supported by this hypothesis, an in an increase in the income level will result in a directional increase in the Life satisfaction when all other factors are equal. Likewise, in comparison, an increase in the marital status will be associated with a directional increase in Life satisfaction of the millennium American population when all else is equal.
The hypothesis guides further investigation or refutation. The hypothesis is not a well-established theory but an assumption for the support of the research argument where data is collected to support the hypothesis and theory.
Methods of Collecting Data
Data collection in research involves various processes of gathering information on the proposed variables in research that enables proving of the stated research question. For this research, we will be using quantitative, Cross-sectional and qualitative research on the topic is dependent on an organized and reliable data collection method which is easy to understand and utilize by the researcher. The research data collection method is very descriptive with direct communication, and that responds appropriately to the research question. The proposed research design is based on a quantitative design that utilizes a cross-sectional one sample at a time format. The qualitative designed effectively uses interviews of specific cases. The qualitative analysis concentrates on the intensive study of one single study and providing a suitable conclusion. The data collection methods provide an opportunity for theoretical research.
The use of survey was successfully employed and utilized in the research conduct to evaluate the standards of living of individuals in the determining of the income levels. Secondary data from economic development, individual level, and national level was used to develop the hypothesis of the research which fulfilled the needs of the research question. The use of interviews provides a compatible, complementary method of data collection to the survey input in the research study and therefore providing reliable data. The survey involved author biographers using secondary data that had specific questions that were related to the research study. The research study data collection has combined the macro and micro data from a large sample of countries. Analysis of variables of interest, physical activity, and the sedentary behavior has also been utilized as tools of data analysis of European values on the study and world values survey of income inequality. The methods of data collection employed intensive sampling design as a research method to collect data. The use of descriptive statistics, correlations, and intra-class correlation coefficients of Life Satisfaction has also contributed to the data collection. Case Study and interviews obtained from the internet World Value Survey http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/wvs.jsp. Correlation Research Methods especially the survey method has been a very useful tool in the data collection of the research data that enabled the ability to utilize secondary data approach that provides a result and a generalizability conclusion.
Bibliography
Friman, Margareta, Tommy Gärling, Dick Ettema, and Lars E. Olsson. "How does travel affect emotional well-being and life satisfaction?" Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice 106 (2017), 170-180. doi:10.1016/j.tra.2017.09.024.
Lam, Kit-Chun J., and Pak-Wai Liu. "Socio-Economic Inequalities in Happiness in China and U.S." Social Indicators Research
116, no. 2 (2013), 509-533. doi:10.1007/s11205-013-0283-1.
Maher, Jaclyn P., Aaron L. Pincus, Nilam Ram, and David E. Conroy. "Daily physical a
