Which Gender is More Happy?
Globally, women consistently report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction than men. This finding is supported by numerous studies across various countries and time periods.
Multiple studies utilizing large datasets, such as the Gallup World Poll, consistently reveal this trend. For example:
- A Gallup World Poll spanning 167 countries from 2005 to 2021 showed women, across diverse cultures and regions (from Australia to Saudi Arabia), rating their life satisfaction as high as, or higher than, men. [Source: WSJ, Mar 22, 2024]
- A 2013 study by Soumya Chattopadhyay, using Gallup World Poll data from 160 countries, also explored this question and corroborated this finding. [Source: Brookings Institute]
- Pew Research, in a 2003 study of 44 countries, found women reported greater overall happiness than men. [Source: Pew Research Center]
- Further research analyzing 11 surveys across 167 countries reinforces the consistent global pattern of women reporting higher life satisfaction. [Source: WSJ, Mar 22, 2024]
While some studies note that women also report higher rates of sadness or depression, the overall trend points towards women reporting greater happiness and life satisfaction. These reports consistently appear in global surveys and are not limited to specific cultures or demographics.
It is important to note that these findings represent self-reported happiness, and the reasons behind this gender gap in reported happiness are complex and require further research. Factors such as societal expectations, gender roles, and access to resources likely play a significant role. However, the data clearly show a consistent pattern: women report higher happiness levels.
