The perceptions of happiness among people in the Mekong Delta

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the perceptions of happiness among people in the Mekong Delta, from their conceptual understanding to their lived reality. The study employed a sociological survey method with a random sample of 600 residents from Can Tho City and the provinces of Tien Giang (Đong Thap), Soc Trang (Can Tho city), and Ca Mau. The paper examines respondents’ evaluations of happiness through two dimensions: (1) their conceptual views on the factors constituting happiness and (2) their perceived levels of happiness. The findings reveal that health, employment, and income, as well as family and friendship relations, are the most important factors shaping the happiness of people in the Mekong Delta, alongside other influences. Overall, the level of happiness among residents is relatively high; however, as happiness levels increase, there is a tendency for the proportion of respondents reporting higher levels of happiness to decline. The distribution of happiness perceptions takes the form of a bulge in the middle-most respondents fall into the “moderately happy” category-while tapering off at both extremes (“very happy” and “very unhappy”). This indicates that Mekong Delta residents generally perceive themselves as moderately happy, with fewer reporting very high levels of happiness. These perceptions also vary according to demographic characteristics. This finding has significant implications for the formulation of development strategies for the Mekong Delta in the coming period.