English proficiency and subjective well-being in China: Demographic moderators

As globalization intensifies, English has come to play a crucial role in education, career development, and cultural understanding. This study examined the impact of English proficiency on the subjective well-being of Chinese people, and the moderating effect of the demographic factors of gender, household background, and age. Using data from the 2021 China General Social Survey, this study employed ordered probit models and ensured robustness through regression and heterogeneity analysis. The results showed that higher English proficiency positively predicted well-being, with more pronounced effects occurring among men, nonagricultural households, and those born before 1980. Social class and income also significantly predicted well-being. These findings offer practical insights for educational policies and well-being strategies. © 2025 Scientific Journal Publishers Limited.