The Quest for Fairness and Fulfillment: A WVS-Based Study on Income Equality and Life Satisfaction in North Macedonia

This study investigates the relationship between income equality acceptance and life satisfaction in North Macedonia using World Values Survey data across multiple waves. Employing ordinal logistic regression, the analysis controls for demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. Findings reveal that individuals who accept income inequality as a motivational necessity report higher life satisfaction, while those favoring greater equality exhibit lower well-being, potentially reflecting frustrations with perceived systemic unfairness. These results highlight the significance of distributive justice in shaping subjective well-being within a transitional economy. The study provides insights for policymakers to promote equitable growth and social cohesion in post-socialist contexts.