Happiness and childbearing across Europe

In this paper we analyse the relationship between childbearing and happiness taking a comparative perspective. We argue that fertility and happiness are linked and that there are important differences across European countries. Using happiness as a welfare measure offers important benefits over income especially when interest lies in understanding how individuals’ wellbeing is associated with childbearing outcomes. We use the European Social Survey (ESS) and apply simple regression techniques, controlling for country differences, and find indeed strong country differences. The analysis shows that parents are happier in Social Democratic countries.