Final answer:
The relationship between wealth and happiness is complex, with studies suggesting that material prosperity does not necessarily equate to increased happiness. Instead, factors like psychosocial prosperity play a significant role in influencing positive feelings, making the answer to whether rich people are happier than middle-class people dependent on various factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether extremely rich people are happier than middle-class people is complex. According to a study by Diener et al. (2010), while material prosperity predicts life evaluation, psychosocial prosperity predicts positive feelings. Thus, the relationship between wealth and happiness is not straightforward; wealth can provide the means for a high standard of living, as described by Kennickell (2009), but does not necessarily lead to increased happiness. Happiness can be influenced by many factors beyond money, such as relationships, health, and personal fulfillment. Meanwhile, Quoidbach et al. (2010) highlight the dual effect of wealth on happiness, suggesting that money's impact is complex and not always positive.
Additionally, societal perceptions portrayed in literature such as the quote "Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me...", reflect an innate societal belief that wealth alters one's experiences and possibly affects contentment. Middle-class individuals may live comfortable lives, working hard for their income, which includes owning homes and access to high-quality education and healthcare, but this does not inherently imply less happiness compared to the wealthy.
Therefore, the most accurate answer to the question would be (c) It depends, as happiness is subjective and influenced by a multitude of factors, not solely by wealth.