Security and wellbeing are deeply interconnected: individuals cannot experience happiness without feeling safe. In this study, the authors analyze how subjective wellbeing (SWB) defined by Veenhoven (1991) as the degree to which people evaluate the quality of their lives positively changed in Kazakhstan between 2018 and 2021, and how shifts in perceived security influenced this change.

Key Findings

Using nationally representative Household Budget Survey data, the study shows that:

• Subjective wellbeing increased in Kazakhstan during 2018–2021.

• Improved perceptions of security including protection from physical assault, violence, theft, and fraud are strongly associated with rising wellbeing.

• Security perceptions are among the strongest predictors of changes in wellbeing across the country.

• Regions that later faced the 2022 unrest already exhibited lower perceived security and lower life satisfaction, suggesting early signals of emerging social tensions.

Why This Matters

The study underscores that security is not a background condition it is a core driver of life satisfaction, stability, and social resilience.
Fluctuations in perceived safety shape not only personal wellbeing but also:

• Trust in institutions

• Sense of fairness and future prospects

• Vulnerability to protests and instability

The findings highlight that strengthening citizens’ sense of security is essential for preventing social tension and sustaining long-term societal wellbeing.