Only 1 in 2 Indian citizens happy: Ipsos IndiaBus Happiness Monitor

Ipsos Happiness Monitor inaugural monthly pan India report shows that only 1 in 2 Indians claimed to be happy. And citizens in the West (62%) and North of India (56%) claimed to be happier over those residing in East (35%) and South (40%). Further, those from SEC A households (55%), students (60%) and unemployed (60%) were happier than those from SEC B & C (49%), homemakers (49%) or retired (47%). 

The survey benchmarks personal happiness vis-à-vis health, financial, personal relationships, social circle and national and global factors. Health was seen to be a major positive contributing factor to happiness, likewise for family,  friends and neighbours to some extent for some target groups (for homemakers and retired folks they were a bane). Financial condition was seen to be a major demotivating factor to happiness and increasing stress levels. Current national issues and global issues like war, pandemic etc. were seen to be subverting happiness. 

The survey evaluates each pillar of happiness and interestingly, the impact is quite different for all target groups. Notably, these have a stake in happiness and managing these pillars would determine the happiness quotient of the citizens.

Commenting on the findings, Parijat Chakraborty, Group Service Line Leader, Public Affairs, Corporate Reputation, Ipsos India, said, “Ipsos Happiness Monitor on a monthly basis captures happiness levels not at a superficial level but is an all-encompassing measurement covering personal determinants and macro factors. Because we felt happiness was not about instant gratification and at the surface but was manifesting in every aspect of one’s life. Some of the key areas captured included, health, economic conditions, family, friends circle, neighbours, situation in the country and situation in the world, which were seen to be impacting happiness levels.” 

Health

One in two citizens said they were happy with their health. Older citizens (45+) were comparatively less happy (44%); tier 1 citizens were happier about their health (67%) vis-à-vis tier 3 citizens (38%). Interestingly, unemployed (65%) and students (63%), were happier about their health than full time parents/ homemakers (40%) and retired people (42%).

Economic & Financial Conditions     

Only 1 in 3 of citizens polled (32%) were happy with their financial conditions. Financial stress was seen to be rampant across target groups, making all target group low on happiness. SEC C (25%), SEC B (32%), full time parent/ homemakers (23%), retired (17%), tier3 citizens (28%). Target groups comparatively in a happier state were self-employed (49%), unemployed (45%), tier 1 citizens (40%), and citizens from west India (42%) and from SEC A households (44%) were happier about their economic and financial conditions. 

Family

At least 2 in 3 citizens polled said they were happy with their family. Similar trend was seen across all target groups and gender. 

“Family is one of the highest contributing factors to happiness. Also, as it is loving, accepting and the ecosystem that heals and comforts,” stated Chakraborty. 

Interestingly, those from tier 1 towns (78%), west (78%) and north India (73%) were happiest with their family. Full time parents/ homemakers (56%) and self employed (58%) were less happy with their family. Happiness with family was uniform by age groups, differences seeped in only by professions and cities. 

Friends Circle

Almost 1 in 2 (48%) of citizens polled said they are happy with their friends circle. Those from SEC A households (53%) were happier than those from SEC C homes (42%). Students (60%) were happier with their friends circle than full time parents/ homemakers (39%) and retired people (33%). Citizens from the west of India (65%) were happiest with their friends circle versus those from east (36%), south (38%) and north (49%).   

Neighbours 

Overall, 44% said they are happy with their neighbours. Full time parents/ homemakers were least happy with their neighbours (35%); those in the metros (37%) were less happy with their neighbours than those living in tier 1 towns (58%). Those in south (29%) and east (32%) were less happy with their neighbours than those in west (56%) and north (51%) India. 

Situation in the Country 

Only 1 in 3 citizens (34%) say the situation in the country is making them happy. Barring self employed (46%), citizens from west India (42%) and north India (41%), for the rest of target groups,  situation in the country is less contributing factor to happiness.

Situation of the World 

Only 3 in 10 (31%) are happy with the situation in the world. Some target groups were less unhappy with the situation of the world. SEC A (37%), self employed (45%), unemployed (43%), tier 1 (40%), citizens from west (39%) and north (38%). 

“Macro factors have been dampeners to happiness and even financial and economic conditions. The survey month on month will keep tabs on shifts,” added Chakraborty.