The Impact of Sustainable Policies on Subjective Well-Being in a Developing Nation: The Case of Ecuador

Objective: This study explores the impact of public policies that promote social equity and rights to nature on subjective well-being (SWB). The focus is on how sustainability policies, particularly environmental protection and poverty reduction, have influenced life satisfaction in Ecuador. Design/methodology/approach: The research uses ordinal logistic regression models to analyze data from Ecuador’s National Survey of Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment. Life satisfaction is the dependent variable, while independent variables include income, education, job satisfaction, concern for the environment, and regional differences. The analysis covers data from 2007 and 2014, representing periods before and after Ecuador’s 2008 constitutional reform. This highlights the study’s temporal focus on changes in subjective well-being. Findings: The results indicate that implementing public social investment policies increases life satisfaction, particularly in regions such as the Coast. After the policy was implemented, income, higher education, job satisfaction, and concern for the environment were associated with higher levels of subjective well-being. However, disparities persist, with lower life satisfaction among Indigenous groups, women, the elderly, and those living in poverty. Originality/value: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between sustainable policies and subjective well-being, highlighting Ecuador’s unique constitutional framework. It offers lessons for other developing nations seeking to balance social equity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability to improve overall quality of life.