Easterlin's Paradox: Happiness Isn't Found in Money

Easterlin's Paradox: Happiness Isn't Found in Money

Last update: 15 September, 2018

Easterlin’s paradox is both a psychological and economic concept. Oddly enough, these two sciences have a lot of common ground nowadays. One of the things they have in common is the idea that links having money and consumption capacity to happiness.

No one can deny the importance of money. However, we’re constantly hearing that money and happiness don’t go hand in hand. At the same time, we also feel frustrated when we don’t have enough money to buy something we want. It can be anything, from a trip and clothes to a better medical service and a new car.

“It’s necessary to have the appetite of the poor to enjoy the fortune of the rich.”

-Conde de Rival-

Easterlin’s paradox reinforces the idea that having money and being happy aren’t related. Let’s delve deeper into this interesting idea.

Easterlin’s paradox

Richard Easterlin’s first reflection was global. It talked about a reality many of us are familiar with: the countries with citizens with higher income levels aren’t the happiest. The countries with lower income levels aren’t the unhappiest either.

Income.

This single theory, backed up by evidence, contradicted the widespread idea that the greater the income, the greater the happiness. The first question that came up was if people limit their ability to be happy once they reach a certain income level.

Another aspect of Easterlin’s paradox is the fact that, if we compare income differences within the same country, the results change. In the same country, people with less income are less happy and vice versa. How do we explain this?

Easterlin’s paradox reinforces the idea that having money and being happy aren’t related.

Income relativity

To explain all these observations, Easterlin used a Karl Marx metaphor. Marx once said that if a person has a house that caters to their needs, they can feel satisfied. But if their neighbor is a millionaire with a mansion, they’ll begin to feel as if their house was nothing more than a simple hut.

Easterlin draws two conclusions based on this. The first is that people with higher incomes don’t tend to be happier. The second is that people perceive their income as “high” depending on the income of those around them. This would explain the difference in the relationship between happiness and income.

Therefore, Easterlin’s paradox states that the comparisons we make to those around us influence our perception of well-being. In other words, the environment is crucial for our level of income to provide happiness or sadness.

Income or equality?

Richard Easterlin never directly stated that higher or lower incomes were the cause of happiness or unhappiness. What Easterlin’s paradox states is that a higher level of income doesn’t necessarily generate a greater sense of happiness. Happiness depends on the setting. This makes us ask the following question: Is it true that what actually generates happiness or unhappiness is equality and not income?

Hands above coins.
In other words, is it possible to believe, based off of Easterlin’s paradox, that the great differences in income in a society are the source of discomfort? When there are great inequalities, being above others makes us feel very satisfied. However, when we feel as if we’re below others, we may feel frustration and sadness.

This has to do directly with satisfying our needs. Basically, my income allows me to live well. But if I perceive that others live a lot better than I do, I’ll feel that what I make isn’t enough.

This is probably what happens in the richest countries. As much as the majority of the population has its needs met, the display of wealth of the wealthy elites puts a shadow on those who aren’t as fortunate. In turn, people in poor countries may feel happier because they have less to compare themselves to. 


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.