An Analysis of Subjective Well-being among the Villagers of Kuhdasht County

Abstract

The study and measurement of social welfare in order to monitor and reform social welfare policies and programs, especially in rural settlements facing many challenges and problems, is an undeniable necessity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of subjective well-being of households and determine the factors affecting it in rural settlements of Kuhdasht County. The research method is descriptive-analytic based on Inglehart’s and Easterlin’s theories and utilizing the questionnaire tool. Using the Cochran formula and stratified random sampling method, 375 rural householders were selected as the sample of the study. The results showed that the level of subjective well-being of 70% of the heads of households is moderate and lower, and most of the indicators of subjective well-being including "feeling of health", "happiness", "hope for the future" and "social trust" are undesirable. Statistical analysis indicated that the individual variables (gender, age), population variables (household size, number of persons employed in the family), and economic variables (type of household head job, land ownership status) are the most important factors causing differences in the level of welfare of households in rural settlements of Kuhdasht County. Therefore, improving social welfare in rural areas requires a review of past policies and adaptation of plans to the needs and expectations of rural communities.

Keywords

• life satisfaction
• kuhdasht
• rural areas
• subjective well-being