Who compares to whom? The anatomy of income comparisons in Europe

摘要: This paper provides unprecedented direct evidence from large-scale survey data on both the intensity (how much?) and direction (to whom?) of income comparisons. Income comparisons are considered to be at least somewhat important by three-quarters Europeans. They associated with lower levels subjective well-being a greater demand for redistribution. The rich compare less more happy than average when they do, which latter is consistent relative theory. With respect comparisons, colleagues most frequently-cited reference group. Those who happier those other benchmarks; friends widespread lowest scores. information effects, as arguably contains about individual s own future prospects do incomes groups. Last, there some that groups endogenous, individuals tending whom interact often.