Work

Happiness in the steppe: exploring the connection between security and wellbeing in Kazakhstan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article focuses on the relationship between perceived security and subjective wellbeing (SWB) in Kazakhstan. It examines 1) how wellbeing changed in Kazakhstan from 2018 to 2021, 2) how perceptions of security (security from violence, from fraud, assault, and theft) were associated with change in citizen’s subjective wellbeing. In addition, we investigated the difference in subjective wellbeing between regions of Kazakhstan that experienced riots in 2022 and those that did not. Based on the Kazakhstan household budget survey (N = 12,000) we found that subjective wellbeing increased from 2018 to 2021 in Kazakhstan. Second, if people feel satisfied from perceived security, it is positively associated with SWB. Understanding the differences in SWB, can help policy makers to take measures in order to improve people’s wellbeing and prevent negative outcomes.

Source: Post-Communist Economies

DOI: 10.1080/14631377.2025.2461928

Authors: Alma Kudebayeva, Dina Sharipova

Institutions: KIMEP University, Nazarbayev University

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan