A Kárpát-medencei magyarok életminőségének összehasonlító elemzése
A Comparative Analysis of the Well-Being of the Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin

Summary/Abstract: The study is a descriptive analysis of the economic and social determinants of well-being among the Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin. Empirically, it is based on a survey conducted in 2018–2019 in Hungary and in the four regions with the largest Hungarian population outside of Hungary (Transylvania in Romania, southern Slovakia, Vojvodina in Serbia, and Transcarpathia in Ukraine). The conceptual framework of the study draws mainly from substantive economics, according to which the premise of social development is not economic growth per se, but the improvement of people’s quality of life. The results show that there is a positive relationship between EU membership and the quality of life of Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin: general welfare indicators score higher in southern Slovakia, Hungary, and Transylvania, and significantly lower in Vojvodina and especially in Transcarpathia. The differences are more spectacular in employment conditions and in terms of income. The study also reveals that economic activity and a better financial situation are essential but not exclusive determinants of quality of life and that their role is more important in providing comfort and helping people make ends meet. In addition to the financial aspects, people’s health conditions, whether they live in a long-term relationship, and whether they can count on the help of their friends and relatives in critical situations also have an important influence. In general, welfare benefits are also related to higher education as well as to proficiency in English and in the language of the ethnic majority.

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