One interesting facet of this study seems to be that the results are America-specific. Many western European nations, for example, show a positive correlation between reported happiness and increased secularization and expansion of the welfare state, job satisfaction aside. In any case, I suspect a deeper cultural element at work here that goes beyond the standard conservative/liberal tropes.

One interesting facet of this study seems to be that the results are America-specific. Many western European nations, for example, show a positive correlation between reported happiness and increased secularization and expansion of the welfare state, job satisfaction aside. In any case, I suspect a deeper cultural element at work here that goes beyond the standard conservative/liberal tropes.