Resource Wealth and Happiness: Evaluating The 'Resource Curse' VS. 'Resource-Based Development' Theories

Abstract

The wealth of natural resources in different countries has a complex impact on
economic development and people's welfare. The aim of this research is to critically
evaluate the influence of natural resource wealth on happiness, assess the
effectiveness of governance and policy in mediating this relationship, and provide
actionable recommendations for policymakers to optimize the benefits of resource
extraction. The analysis was conducted using data from 116 countries over the period
2017-2022. Linear regression models were used to examine the effect of mining
production and national GDP on happiness. Data was taken from World Mining Data,
the World Bank, and the World Happiness Report. The model used includes two
approaches: one that measures the effect of national GDP on happiness, and another
that considers the interaction between national GDP and mining production. Results
show that national GDP has a significant positive correlation with happiness,
supporting the “resource-based development” theory. However, the interaction
between national GDP and mining production shows a negative effect, reflecting
aspects of the “resource curse” theory. Variability in the impact of mining production
was also observed, suggesting that the social and economic context influences this
relationship. This research highlights the importance of effective natural resource
management to improve people's happiness. While resource wealth can support
economic growth, over-reliance on resource spending can reduce its positive impact.
The findings provide insights for policymakers to formulate balanced strategies to
utilize natural resources for sustainable social welfare.