Social Capital, Basic Life Satisfaction and Happiness in Local Government

Abstract

This study is to analyze the effect of social capital and basic life satisfaction on citizens' happiness, focusing on moderating effect of volunteering and giving. As a result of the analysis, satisfactions of family relationship, income and consumption have no effect on happiness. And basic life infrastructure, social security institution, culture and leisure have no effect on happiness. Besides, social capitals have positive effects on happiness in part. In other words, citizen trust does not affect happiness but community sense, associate activities, giving and volunteering affect happiness. And as the results of moderating effect of charitable behaviors, interaction between volunteering and healthcare service, interaction between giving and citizen trust and interaction between giving and self-respect for region have positive effects on happiness. Based on this, policy directions to enhance charitable behaviors as a risk management tool and to promote happiness are as follows. First, role sharing through public-private partnerships is necessary. Second, the vitalization of civil society is important to enhance philanthropic activities.