Have We Become Happier? An Empirical Study on Subjective Well-Being Across Time

This thesis critically examines the question of whether people are truly becoming happier amidst ongoing global socio-economic transformations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative analysis of longitudinal data from major international surveys (including the Gallup World Poll and World Values Survey) focusing on life evaluation trends since the mid-2000s, with qualitative synthesis of existing literature and theoretical frameworks. A conceptual model emphasizing the interplay of "Health" (material/physical well-being), "Hope" (agency/aspirations), and "Harmony" (social/environmental context) guides the analysis. Findings reveal a complex picture: the unweighted global average life satisfaction has exhibited relative stagnation over the past two decades, suggesting no significant net increase in happiness for humanity as a whole during this period. However, this global average masks considerable heterogeneity, with marked increases in subjective well-being observed in some nations (often developing economies undergoing rapid poverty reduction), counterbalanced by stagnation or decline in others, including several high-income countries. The analysis underscores the critical importance of non-economic factors—such as social support, institutional trust, personal freedom, and mental health—in mediating the relationship between economic development and subjective well-being, reaffirming the limitations of GDP as a sole measure of societal progress and the nuances of the Easterlin Paradox. It is concluded that, based on recent evidence, progress towards greater happiness is neither universal nor guaranteed. The thesis advocates for a more holistic, human-centered approach to development, prioritizing policies that foster well-being across multiple life domains beyond mere economic growth.