Perceived Quality of Society as a Determinant of Life Satisfaction in the United Kingdom: Evidence from the European Quality of Life Survey

Perceived Quality of Society as a Determinant of Life Satisfaction in the United Kingdom: Evidence from the European Quality of Life Survey

Economics

Anika Maheshwari

2025

This study examines how the Perceived Quality of Society (PQS) influences life satisfaction in the United Kingdom, using data from the 2016 European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS). PQS was measured through three variables: trust in other people, trust in social system, and perceived tensions between groups. An ordered probit regression model was applied to analyse the relationships between PQS and life satisfaction, controlling demographic characteristics and material living standards. The results show that all three PQS dimensions are significant predictors of life satisfaction, with interpersonal trust emerging as the strongest factor. Trust in social system and reduced intergroup tensions also play important roles, although their effects diminish slightly when economic variables are included. The study finds only limited evidence of gender differences, with effects marginally significant at the 10% level, in the relationship between social trust and life satisfaction. These findings highlight that life satisfaction is not determined solely by income or material resources, but also by people’s perceptions of the social environment in which they live. The study contributes to the literature by providing evidence from the UK context, where research on life satisfaction has largely focused on economic and demographic factors, but has not specifically examined the role of PQS as a central determinant. By showing that social trust, institutional quality, and perceptions of social harmony significantly shape well-being, the study highlights the need to integrate these societal dimensions into both theoretical models and policy frameworks aimed at improving life satisfaction.

Perceived Quality of Society, Interpersonal and Institutional trust, Social tensions, Well-being, United Kingdom, European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS)