The Myth of Women's Happiness

Arianna Huffington announced today that Marcus Buckingham will be blogging "What's Happening to Women's Happiness?" In the launch of this in-depth coverage of the "sad, shocking truth" about our declining satisfaction, Buckingham cites two studies - The Paradox of Declining Female Happiness, and Aspirations, Attainments and Satisfaction: Life Cycle Differences Between American Women and Men.

The Paradox abstract is conducted by Wharton School of Business Economics professors. The Aspirations abstract is coauthored by a PhD candidate in Sociology (good) and an...economics professor. The abstract focuses on "domain satisfaction." While it has nice charts that depict women are less satisfied now, it also cites the different views held by economists and psychologists on the sources of well-being. Page 18 observes that many economists adopt the view that well-being depends solely on actual life circumstances, and satisfaction can safely be inferred from observing same, which the abstract goes on to dismiss.

The Paradox abstract cites the same Roper-Starch Surveys about "the good life." With declarations for life circumstances and aspirations like "a yard and a lawn" and one or more children, is this the real gauge of happiness for women we want to have blogged? In a series? Now? Paradox also mentions that perhaps women were riding high on the energy of the feminist movement in the 70s, and a decline in happiness index might - just might - be expected.

Both studies admit more study is needed.

A 40-something man who has spent 17 years at Gallup Research will be doing the in-depth look at women's happiness. He will look at the myth of multitasking, the myth of more free time, the myth of a balanced life. Maybe later, the myth of happy women?

I have a glimmer of a notion why some women may not be all that pleased these days, Arianna. That is the real sad, shocking truth.