Current Developments on the Economics of Happiness: Evidence from Turkey

Happiness is a concept that changes according to individuals. However, in general terms, happiness can be expressed as an overall positive assessment of one’s quality of life. The branch of economics makes happiness measurements by looking at happiness from an economic point of view and examines their relations with economic factors. Happiness economy, on the other hand, examines which factors increase or decrease the quality of welfare and life and makes inferences about this issue. The aim of this study is to examine work done related to the happiness economy and the change in happiness in detail in Turkey and is to interpret in detail the current data on this subject. For data on Turkey published regularly since 2003, “TSI Life Satisfaction Survey” results were used. The study also mentions the happiness measurement techniques and contents made today and gives the latest happiness researches of all countries in the world. Countries happiness data are compiled from the last publication of the “World Happiness Index.” The study focuses on the relationship of happiness with variables such as income, employment, health, and social status, which are the determinants of happiness in the economy, and their effects on happiness.