Abstract
Previous research demonstrates that immigrants’ levels of life satisfaction are lower than those of natives, in contrast to the theory of subjective well-being homeostasis. We do not know, however, whether this is due to the immigration experience as such, or rather is a result of the fact that on average this group is faced with less prosperous living conditions. In this analysis, we make use of recent Dutch population survey data (n=3,910), with an oversampling of Moroccan and Turkish origin first and second generation minority respondents (n=1,690). While initially we observe significant differences in levels of life satisfaction, these can be almost fully explained by more financial problems and stronger feelings of social isolation among these groups, as predicted by the need-gratification theory on life satisfaction. Psychological integration, in the form of national identification and trust in political institutions, is also positively associated with life satisfaction. Taking into account financial, social and psychological resources, there is no significant difference in life satisfaction between the majority group and ethnic minorities in the Netherlands. We observe very few significant interaction effects between these variables and minority status, indicating that these conditions generally have the same effect on all population groups. Among immigrants, ethnic identification is positively associated with life satisfaction, while there is a negative relation between life satisfaction and perceived discrimination. We close with observations on the theoretical and policy implications.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 11 Jul 2013 |
Event | The 2013 ISPP Annual Meeting - Herzliya, Israel Duration: 8 Jul 2013 → 11 Jul 2013 |
Conference
Conference | The 2013 ISPP Annual Meeting |
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City | Herzliya, Israel |
Period | 8/07/13 → 11/07/13 |