Does Democracy Cause Subjective Well-Being? (2003–2012 Albanian Electorate Case)

Abstract

During the last years (especially 2010-12) in Albania, the Level of Democracy and Subjective Well Being have shown a reduction. It is interesting to analyze the relatioship and level of causation between them. In a democatic system it is most logical to expect that democracy causes SWI (Subjective Well Being Indicator), leading to the core question of this paper “does democracy make people (Albanian electorate) feel better”. The analysis, based on field research surveys data and Freedom House Measures of democracy levels from 2003 to 2012, confirmed this linkage only partially, deriving to the most probable causes of SWI to be corruption, electoral and legislative process.