Subjective well-being, social network, financial stability and living environment of the displaced community: Implications for an inclusive society

Abstract

This study examines the state of subjective well-being (SWB), living and social environment of the displaced community in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The study also explores the determinants of SWB through a survey of 141 households and interviews. The results show that almost half of the household heads have low SWB. The community faces disadvantages in terms of physical living conditions, neighbourhood environment and financial stability. SWB has been shown to correlate strongly with social networks such as family and neighbourhood relationships. In addition, long-term financial stability (rather than income) and a stable living environment contribute significantly to higher SWB. We argue that more prudent policies to promote the well-being of the displaced community are needed to achieve the inclusive development that the government seeks. In particular, intervention programmes are crucial to improve the social network, living conditions and financial stability of the displaced community. The study contributes to uncovering the lack of comprehensive knowledge on the problems of SWB, especially regarding the development of the displaced community, to generate policy insights.