New research challenges the already far-fetched idea that money can, or should, buy happiness.
The study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona shows that indigenous peoples and local communities that star in happiness indicators despite having very little money.
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The study surveyed nearly 3,000 people at 19 sites around the world.
64% of the households tested had no cash income at all.
However, their average life satisfaction rating was 6.8 out of 10. This is similar to the levels of life satisfaction reported in wealthy countries, such as the Scandinavian countries.
"The seemingly strong correlation that often emerges between income and life satisfaction is not universal, and proves that wealth - as created by industrialized economies - is not fundamentally required for humans to lead happy lives," explains researcher Victoria Reyes-Garcia.
While economic growth is often thought of as the solution to increasing welfare in poor countries, these findings challenge that notion.
Humans seem to be able to live very happy lives without material wealth measured in money.
The authors of the study emphasize the need for more research to understand specifically why many indigenous communities report such high life satisfaction despite their low standard of living.
They believe that factors such as family, social relationships, spirituality and connections with nature play major roles.
"By learning more about what makes life fulfilling in these diverse communities, it may help many others lead more fulfilling lives while addressing the sustainability crisis," says lead researcher Eric Galbraith.
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