No human is an island: essays on the economic geography of happiness

The aim of this Ph.D. dissertation is to investigate the relationship between socio-spatial inequalities and subjective measures of well-being across different geographical areas as well as to contribute to the emerging field of the Economic Geography of Happiness by examining the spatial dimensions of subjective well-being (SWB). Through four empirical chapters, the dissertation explores various aspects such as the impact of income comparisons on happiness, the influence of different sources of income on well-being, the existence of spatial spillover effects in happiness, and the potential for individual-level spillover effects. Drawing on data from multiple countries and employing diverse methodologies including regression analysis and spatial econometrics, the research presented in this dissertation sheds light on the nuanced interplay between socio-economic factors, spatial contexts, and individual well-being. The findings reveal relationships between well-being, geography, and socio-economic factors, underscoring the importance of considering spatial contexts in understanding individual and community well-being. The dissertation concludes by highlighting the policy implications and avenues for future research in this interdisciplinary field, emphasizing the complex interdependencies between happiness, people, place, and space.