←back to thread

271 points nradov | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.201s | source
Show context
jaysonelliot ◴[] No.42172799[source]
Despite the headline CBS gave the article, it seems the problem is not with happiness, but with the seductive appeal of materialism and the effects of exposing one culture to another.

Social comparison theory is the idea that our satisfaction with what we have isn't an objective measure, but is actually based on what we see other people have. Young people generally seem to have an innate desire to leave their hometowns and seek out what else might be waiting out there for them. When you add in globalization and media influence exposing them to what looks like a "better" life with more things, it's not surprising that they've seen ~9% of young people leave Bhutan.

The other question is, what will happen if Bhutan does increase their financial wealth as well as their happiness? Will they then see a net influx of people through immigration, looking for the lifestyle Bhutan promises? And will those new people be able to maintain the culture Bhutan has cultivated?

It sounds like the concept of Gross National Happiness is a successful one, on its own, but it brings new challenges that couldn't have been forseen originally. That doesn't mean they can't solve them without giving up their core values.

replies(7): >>42172887 #>>42173063 #>>42173254 #>>42173619 #>>42173660 #>>42173728 #>>42179386 #
1. blackeyeblitzar ◴[] No.42173619[source]
I find it weird that this article didn’t mention China’s aggressive invasions of Bhutan and settlement tactics violating their sovereignty. The fear of China’s CCP government stealing from Bhutan or taking over Bhutan is a big reason for people to want to leave and seek refuge and stability elsewhere. See https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/05/asia/china-bhutan-border-dst-...