they Say money can’t buy happiness. Moreover, until recently scientists, a survey of about two million people from 164 countries, found that there is a threshold after which the amount of earnings ceases to affect the feeling of happiness. The global average is about 95 thousand dollars a year. Of course, each region has its own figure, say, to the people of South America is about 35 thousand, for the rich – more than 120 thousand. But then stop. The increase has not brought the expected joy. Why?
Scientists have cited several reasons. As a rule, the higher the income, the more you have to work, there are more duties and responsibilities. So, increasing the level of anxiety. But much more serious, according to scientists, is the social factor. Assessment of his place in society. At some point, people begin to wonder, “How well I was doing?” “And what I’ve achieved compared to others?” And this is another reason for the sense of frustration that the money is not correct.
But a new study by scientists at the University of San Diego shows that for some ten years the picture has changed dramatically. Now the level of happiness does not cease to increase as income increases: for example, people with an income of 160 thousand dollars per year are happier than those who earn from 115 thousand to 160 thousand dollars. There are several reasons. First, in recent years income inequality has become even more – the rich got richer and the poor poorer. Thus, the average company Executive earns 271 times more than the average worker, it is 30 times more than in 1978. In addition, those who belong to the middle class, becomes in America less. Partly this is because the cost of basic human needs such as housing, education and Zdravookhraneniye grows faster than inflation, the scientists said. And if the salary is not adequately increased, although the staff began to work more productive.
Particularly drew the attention of scientists to the relationship between happiness and education. So, in 70-ies among white Americans was roughly equal to those who were equally “very happy”, receiving a higher education, and those who are limited to high school. Now the picture has changed: only 29% of people who have not received higher education, consider yourself lucky – compared to 40% of people with higher education. And education in America costs a lot of money. Among blacks the level of happiness among the educated and wealthy during the time of observation has increased, and people without money and education this indicator has not significantly changed.
