Life satisfaction, state intervention go hand in hand,

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People living in countries with governments that have a greater number of social services report being more satisfied with life

state intervention into the economy equaled or exceeded marriage when it came to satisfaction.

"In many cases, less government intervention can allow for a more efficient economy, but greater economic efficiency doesn't necessarily translate into greater contentment with one's life," Flavin said. "If you get sick and can't work or lose your job and there are few social protections in place, you're more likely to be anxious and less satisfied."

The findings were consistent regardless of whether respondents were rich or poor and regardless of their political views,

"to the extent that it is a primary task of democratic governments to secure the well-being of their citizens, studying what government activities make citizens happier helps inform the 'politics vs. markets' debate,'"

The United States had one of the lowest levels of state intervention among the countries in the study, but "we still certainly have a more expansive safety net than most developing countries,"

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-05-...on-baylor.html

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So UCA has a more expansive safety net than poor, undeveloped countries.

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There was another study a few years back that showed as societies became more wealthy and sophisticated, they expected their govt to move up with society and provide more/sophisticated services.