Self-rated happiness in Central Asian cities: intercity differences and social correlates

Abstract

Happiness as a subjective characteristic of well-being is associated with the social conditions of everyday life, available resources, and the nature of social relationships. Comparing Central Asian cities makes it possible to examine these relationships across urban contexts that share historical and cultural similarities while differing in their urban conditions. The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of self-rated happiness among residents of Almaty, Tashkent, and Bishkek and to examine its associations with material conditions, health status, social support, and traditions/values. The empirical basis of the study comprised survey data from 511 respondents from Almaty (n = 174), Tashkent (n = 237), and Bishkek (n = 100), as well as brief responses from 15 experts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The quantitative stage included descriptive analysis, ANOVA/Welch ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results revealed intercity differences in self-rated happiness, health status, social support, and the importance of traditions/values, whereas differences in perceived material conditions did not reach statistical significance. The strongest positive associations with self-rated happiness were found for health status and social support; positive associations were also observed for material conditions and traditions/values. Expert assessments complemented the quantitative findings by highlighting the importance of public spaces, environmental and urban conditions, social capital, and access to urban services. The findings support the need to consider self-rated happiness within the broader context of social resources and conditions of urban life. The value of the study lies in expanding empirical evidence on urban well-being in the Central Asian context, which remains underrepresented in the international literature. The practical significance of the findings lies in their potential use in developing urban social programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening social support, improving access to urban infrastructure, and creating conditions conducive to residents’ well-being.

Keywords: self-rated happiness, subjective well-being, social support, health, urban well-being, Central Asia.