Relationships among happiness, education and social indicators in Turkey

In this study, the relationship between happiness and socioeconomic indicators was examined. By presenting a theoretical background on happiness, the literature was examined and empirical determinants of happiness were investigated. For this purpose; the factors such as age, gender, educational status, marital status, place of residence, sector of employment, employment status, individual and household income were selected as independent variables. The relationship between categorical dependent and independent variables was estimated with sequential logit model and evaluations were made to determine the level of happiness of the individual. Descriptive statistics of variables are explained in detail. In the application section, cross tables showing the connection of socioeconomic indicators with happiness are included. Ordered logit model estimation and interpretations that analyze the relationship between dependent variable happiness and independent variables are also included in the application section. With the help of the findings, it has been tried to determine which education-happiness approaches in the scientific literature are valid in our country. When the findings were evaluated, it was found that women were happier than men, and the happiest age was 65 and above, the lowest happiness rate was in the 45-54 age group and married individuals were relatively happier. When the education level is evaluated, it is observed that the individuals with the lowest and highest levels of education are the happiest individuals. Looking at the working situation, it was found that working individuals were happier than those who did not work, and those who were not working or who were interested in housework were happier. According to other findings, it is seen that public employees are happier than private sector employees and individuals who are unpaid family workers are happier than working individuals. When income and happiness are examined, it is seen that the highest level of happiness belongs to the highest income group. Keywords: Happiness, Life Satisfaction, Subjective Welfare, Education