Social Participation and Subjective Well-Being

Chapter 8 investigates the association between Dibao receipt and social participation as well as subjective well-being. The chapter reveals some unintended associations between Dibao receipt and behavioral and subjective outcomes among both urban and rural recipients. Dibao recipients tend to lead a more isolated and detached life and engage in fewer leisure and social activities than their non-recipient peers. The stigma, shame, and despair associated with Dibao receipt and the poor outlook for income and improved social class may lead recipients to be unhappy and have low levels of satisfaction in life. There is also some evidence that receiving Dibao is associated with less time spent on education and work activities, echoing the many challenges faced by Dibao recipients to move from welfare to work.