Comparative Policy Perspectives of Happiness and Parenthood

Arnstein Aassve, Università Bocconi
Maria Sironi, University of Pennsylvania
Letizia Mencarini, University of Turin and Collegio Carlo Alberto

This paper discusses the links between parenthood, happiness and policies, taking a comparative perspective. Its motivation derives from recent analysis suggesting a positive relationship between happiness and fertility. Taking a multilevel approach, we find that parental happiness, and thus wellbeing associated with childbearing, depends on a series of country characteristics – ranging from economic prosperity, trust, social capital and gender equality. We reflect on its policy implications and highlight the fact that direct measures of child friendliness, such as the supply of public childcare – though important – appear to matter less than for instance gender equality.