Exposure to air pollution and crime in the neighbourhood: Evidence from life satisfaction data in Turkey
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of life satisfaction in Turkey. Moreover, this study explores the effects of air pollution and crime problems on well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
The estimates are based on cross-sectional data from the health survey in Turkey during the years 2010 and 2012. Various econometric models are applied such as the ordered logit and the random-effects generalized latent class ordered logit. Moreover, using pseudo panel data created based on age and region cohorts adapted probit fixed effects and the “blow-up and cluster” estimators are applied. In addition, various estimates by sex, age group, urban and rural areas as well as between individuals with good and poor health status are followed.
Findings
The results show that the individuals who self-reported who are exposed to air pollution and crimes present on average 0.2-0.5 less satisfaction scores than those who are not exposed to air pollution and crimes. In terms of monetary values, they are willing to pay more than those who are not exposed to air pollution and crimes by 13-19 Turkish Liras per month. Moreover, the generalized latent class ordered logit shows that there is considerable heterogeneity among the most satisfied and least satisfied individuals.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper lies in the fact that this is the first study to provide an analysis of life satisfaction using micro-level data from Turkey. Moreover, various econometric approaches are applied to compare the results. In addition, examining the heterogeneous effects among individuals with different life satisfaction rankings, it is possible to examine the effects of various factors on well-being and how they differ among individuals. Finally, by examining exposure to air pollution and crimes in the neighbourhood and their effects on well-being, it is possible to control for characteristics of the deprived areas.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research has been funded under the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Scientist Support Directorate (BİDEB) – Postdoctoral Research Grants Funding Scheme 2219. This work was based on data from the health survey cross-sectional survey for the years 2010 and 2012 provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT). Special thanks are due to the Dissemination and Communication Department Dissemination Group in TURKSTAT for providing the survey data. The data are the copyright of TURKSTAT. The use of the data in this work does not imply the endorsement of TURKSTAT in relation to the interpretation or analysis of the data.
Citation
Ozdamar, O. (2016), "Exposure to air pollution and crime in the neighbourhood: Evidence from life satisfaction data in Turkey", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 43 No. 12, pp. 1233-1253. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-01-2015-0018
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited