청년세대의 일-삶 균형 수준과 행복 요인: OECD ʻ더 나은 삶의 지수(Better Life Index)ʼ와 ʻ세계가치관조사(World Value Survey)ʼ를 활용한 다국가 비교

Abstract

This study aimed for in-depth observation of the status quo of the youth generationʼs happiness utilizing the Better Life Index and the World Value Survey. To serve this purpose, the study selected 11 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) member countries (Australia, Estonia, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, United States) that overlapped with the subject countries of the World Value Survey. The results of the observation first revealed that among the work-life balance levels of youth generations from across the 11 studied countries, the level for Korean youth was in a very poor state. Second, the happiness level of Korean youth also sat among the bottom ranks, with the aspects of politics, friendship, and career casting a heavy influence on importance to life; specifically, the youth generations of Turkey and Germany showed high levels of life purpose, while Korean youth displayed outstanding results in the challenge aspect. The third finding of this study reported that family, religion, power, benevolence, and challenge were commonly related to the happiness level of youth generations in countries with a higher work-life balance. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the much needed attention and support for improving the happiness level of the Korean youth generation, who will eventually play the leading role in our future society.