Social Capital and Subjective Well-Being in Central Asia

Abstract

This article examines how social capital influences subjective well-being (SWB) in three Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Based on data from the WVS (Wave 6), it finds that social capital is an important predictor of subjective well-being in the three countries. Trust has a positive impact on SWB in Kyrgyzstan, while social norms are predictors of life satisfaction in Kazakhstan. Finally, social participation has a positive influence on SWB in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.