Intergenerational and inter-ethnic wellbeing: an analysis for the UK

Presenter: Cinzia Rienzo, National Institute of Economic and Social Research

Author: Cinzia Rienzo

Co-author(s): Richard Dorsett and Martin Weale

This paper uses Understanding Society data from Wave 3 (a UK nationally representative dataset) to examine the extent to which family migration history helps explains inter-ethnic variations in subjective well-being. We confirm that there is significant variation in wellbeing across ethnic group and across migrant generations. On average, recent migrants appear to have higher levels of wellbeing. We also find that, while language difficulties are associated with lower wellbeing, retaining cultural links is important: living in areas where one’s own ethnic group is well represented and having friends from the same ethnic group is associated with a higher level of wellbeing. Individuals’ choice to retain cultural ties and identity may alleviate feelings of cultural distance and difficulties with integration.