Gender and Subjective Well-Being

This study investigates gender differences in subjective well-being (SWB) in Mexico, emphasising life satisfaction, health satisfaction, satisfaction with principal activities, and emotional states—specifically happiness, sadness, depression, and stress. Gendered social roles and economic conditions have a significant influence on SWB, as women often face structural barriers affecting autonomy. Using data from the 2021 National Self-Reported Well-Being Survey and applying Ordered Logit and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) models, this analysis identifies key gender-specific patterns. Findings reveal that both genders benefit from economic and social satisfaction in their SWB, though notable differences persist. Men show a stronger association between economic satisfaction and well-being, whereas women report higher well-being associations with personal and family relationships. Additionally, caregiving and unpaid domestic tasks negatively impact women’s SWB, while for men, caregiving tasks sometimes correlate positively with well-being. Women also report lower health satisfaction and higher levels of sadness, depression, and stress compared to men. The results underscore the importance of gender-sensitive policies to address these disparities, including enhanced mental health support, equitable access to resources, and shared caregiving responsibilities. Such measures are essential to promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment that meets diverse well-being needs across genders, improving overall quality of life in Mexico.