The Pursuit of Happiness: An Analysis of Aggregate Difference in the Distribution of Happiness in the United States

The pursuit of happiness is viewed as an inalienable right by most Americans, but the government of the United States does not ensure that the right is equally enjoyed by all its citizens. There is significant difference in the distribution of happiness among different aggregates of American people. Using General Social Survey (GSS) 1998 data, this paper analyzes which aggregates of American people are reported to be ahead in the distribution of happiness. Previous happiness research has so far analyzed the effects of various determinants on happiness but few researchers have tried to show how these effects vary among different aggregates of people characterized in terms of major determinants such as socioeconomic status, health status, marital status, household type, religious participation and denominations, political and world views, age, gender, and race. This study tries to fill this gap. To adopt sound public policy aimed at enhancing the levels of collective happiness, it is important to know about the aggregate difference in the distribution of happiness.