Social capital and subjective well-being of rural women in China

ABSTRACT

Rural women in China are facing a difficult life situation. They are suffering from both physical and psychological pains. This addresses attention to their mental health and subjective well-being. Based on the Social Capital Theory, this study aims to present the subjective well-being of rural women in China, and explore the related factors. Using the CGSS 2015 survey data, 2355 rural female samples were extracted. T-test, Explanatory Factor Analysis, and stepwise analysis based on the ordered logistic regression model were used. The results showed that the interpersonal interaction factor in social network dimension, the overall trust factor and bonding trust factor in social trust dimension were significantly associated with subjective well-being. The social norms dimension had a weak correlation with subjective well-being. Furthermore, the study also explored the role of the sociodemographic variables and other potential factors. The results echoed to ‘happiness-income paradox’.