Brookings: Social Protection Programs and Life Satisfaction

Do universal basic income and strong public welfare programs work? Experts in developed and developing countries have mixed reviews. Welfare programs “often come with stigma and disempowerment, in addition to high administrative costs, supporting the case for universal basic income guarantees” write Talejeh Livani and Carol Graham for Brookings. Measuring the effectiveness of social assistance programs is challenging, but research of Iraq’s government support program offers insights. About 20 percent of Iraqis live in poverty, and government-supported income accounts for a substantial share of income. The country’s life satisfaction rating however, is higher than income levels and history of conflict would suggest. This study finds a negative association between social assistance and life satisfaction, with a stronger effect on female-headed households, and a positive association between life satisfaction and income that is self-generated. – YaleGlobal