Sosyal Politikaların Mutluluk Üzerindeki Etkisi: Türkiye Örneği(The Effect of Social Policies on Happiness: The Case of Turkey)

Life satisfaction, quality of life and happiness are more often used to measure the well-being of individuals recently. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of certain social policy practices carried out by the central government and municipalities in Turkey on the happiness of the individuals. In order to achieve this, 2019 TURKSTAT Life Satisfaction Survey (YMA) data were used. Multinomial regression analyzes show that in addition to the effects of socio-demographic variables such as gender, age, educational status, marital status income on happiness, satisfaction with health, social security and education services provided by the central government is positively correlated with happiness. Furthermore, it has been found that the disabled services and courses run by municipalities at the local level have positive effects on the happiness of the individuals. Strengthening and development of these policies may contribute to the increase of life satisfaction in Turkey.