This article examines the contrasting influences of social comparison on happiness in Bangladesh and Finland. Bangladesh suffers from pervasive social comparison, which diminishes happiness and fosters feelings of inadequacy, while Finland’s cultural norms promote modesty and reduce status anxiety. Institutional factors in Finland, such as effective governance and social safety nets, further enhance citizens’ well-being. The discussion underscores the need for a shift in reference points to improve individual happiness.
Happiness, a universal aspiration, is pursued through diverse methods across societies. Bangladesh and Finland exemplify this contrast, where cultural norms, particularly social comparison, influence perceived happiness significantly. While social comparison erodes happiness in Bangladesh, Finland represents a society where such comparisons are less prevalent, enhancing overall life satisfaction. This indicates how cultural influences shape individual happiness experiences.
In Bangladesh, social comparison severely undermines happiness. Children are taught to gauge their success against their peers, leading to feelings of inadequacy even with individual achievements. This mindset continues into adulthood, making it challenging for many Bangladeshi individuals to attain lasting happiness. Their early social conditioning encourages a continuous cycle of comparison across various life domains.
However, social comparison transcends national boundaries. For instance, Americans in affluent settings also engage in comparative assessments, often showing a preference for relative over absolute income. A group of Harvard students illustrated this tendency by choosing lower absolute earnings if they perceived themselves as better off than their peers, highlighting a pervasive tendency to measure happiness against the successes of others.
Richard Layard, a prominent economist, posits that economic growth does not necessarily correlate with increased happiness. He references a study indicating that people’s happiness diminishes when their peers experience financial advancements, emphasizing the detrimental effects of constant social comparisons. Layard suggests that perceived relative income plays a more vital role in determining happiness than actual income levels.
In Bangladesh, individuals frequently assess their earnings through comparisons with colleagues, rooted in their upbringing emphasizing peer performance. They often overlook their absolute income in favor of relative metrics, fostering dissatisfaction even when their earnings align with their needs. Notably, comparisons occur within a constrained peer group, thus reinforcing a limited perspective.
Conversely, Finland’s success as the world’s happiest nation is intertwined with modest lifestyles and reduced social comparison. Cultural norms discourage overt displays of wealth, even among the affluent. Finnish citizens prioritize contentment derived from simple pleasures rather than societal status, reflecting a shift away from excessive social ambition. Their modest aspirations contribute significantly to their well-being, allowing them to focus on personal fulfillment rather than competitive status.
Institutional factors further enhance happiness in Finland. Countries with robust democracies and effective governance experience higher happiness levels, independent of economic standing. Finnish citizens benefit from comprehensive social safety nets, including healthcare and education, which alleviate many sources of unhappiness. Thus, the Finnish model emphasizes removing barriers to happiness rather than maximizing joy through extremes.
In conclusion, social comparison detracts from happiness by fostering unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy. As individuals prioritize what they lack over their achievements, jealousy and resentment can sour relationships. While altering entrenched comparison-driven mindsets may be difficult, adjusting reference points to lower income levels can pave the way for better life satisfaction. Ultimately, the lens through which individuals assess their circumstances profoundly impacts their happiness levels.
In summary, the exploration of happiness in Bangladesh and Finland reveals that cultural norms around social comparison significantly impact individual well-being. Social comparison erodes happiness by creating unrealistic benchmarks and fostering negative emotions. Although reshaping deeply ingrained societal behaviors will take time, individuals can enhance their happiness by adjusting their reference groups and concentrating on personal achievements rather than comparisons. This shift in perspective may lead to improved life satisfaction and overall well-being.
Original Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd
