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A Paradox in African American Quality of Life

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Abstract

This study examines panel data from the National Survey of Black Americans with regard to the quality of life of African Americans between 1980 and 1992. Objective measures from current populations reports and census data (such as health, education, and income) indicate that the situation for African Americans has either stagnated or declined during this period. The present analyses show that African Americans' reports of general life satisfaction increased and there was a decline in happiness. There was no response bias that could account for the observed changes in well-being. Contrasts are drawn between these results and the existing well-being literature. Implications for further research are discussed.

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Adams III, V.H. A Paradox in African American Quality of Life. Social Indicators Research 42, 205–219 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006806601848

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