What is Gross National Happiness?

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a unique development philosophy and measurement framework that originated in Bhutan, a small landlocked country in South Asia.

Instead of focusing solely on economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Bhutan's approach to development centers on the well-being and happiness of its citizens.

The concept of Gross National Happiness was first introduced by the Fourth King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the 1970s. It was formalized as an official development policy in 2008 when Bhutan adopted it as its guiding development principle in its constitution.

Key principles and components of Gross National Happiness include:

1. Multidimensional Approach: GNH considers multiple dimensions of well-being, including not only economic factors but also social, environmental, cultural, and spiritual aspects of life.
2. Sustainable Development: The GNH framework emphasizes the importance of sustainable development that does not compromise the well-being of future generations or harm the environment.
3. Equitable Development: GNH seeks to reduce inequalities and promote equitable access to resources and opportunities for all citizens.
4. Preservation of Culture: Bhutan places a strong emphasis on preserving its unique cultural heritage and traditions as a critical component of national happiness.
5. Good Governance: GNH advocates for good governance and the importance of policies that prioritize the well-being of citizens.

Measuring GNH is a complex and ongoing process, involving surveys and assessments that gather data on various aspects of well-being, life satisfaction, social connectedness, health, education, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and time use, among others.

While Gross National Happiness has been primarily associated with Bhutan, the concept has attracted attention and interest from scholars, policymakers, and activists worldwide as an alternative to GDP-centric models of development. It encourages a more holistic and people-centric approach to development, recognising that economic growth alone does not guarantee happiness and well-being for citizens.

However, implementing such a philosophy on a broader scale presents challenges due to the subjective nature of happiness and the complexities of measuring and balancing various well-being indicators.

Criticisms of Gross National Happiness Approach

Despite its unique and innovative approach, Gross National Happiness (GNH) has faced several criticisms over the years. Some of the main criticisms are as follows:

1. Subjectivity and Measurement Challenges: One of the primary criticisms of GNH is the subjective nature of happiness itself. Happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept that can vary greatly from one individual to another. Measuring and quantifying happiness in a standardized and objective manner is challenging, leading some critics to question the validity and reliability of GNH as a comprehensive development metric.
2. Focus on Traditional Values: GNH places a significant emphasis on preserving Bhutan's traditional cultural values and heritage. Critics argue that this emphasis on cultural preservation may hinder social progress and limit individual freedoms, especially in a rapidly changing globalized world.
3. Limited Economic Growth: Some critics argue that the focus on GNH might prioritize social and environmental goals over economic growth, potentially impeding the country's economic development and poverty reduction efforts.
4. Policy Trade-offs: Pursuing GNH may lead to trade-offs between different goals. For example, policies promoting environmental conservation may conflict with economic development or poverty reduction objectives.
5. Social and Cultural Heterogeneity: Critics argue that Bhutan's relatively homogenous society might not be fully representative of the broader diversity of global societies. Implementing GNH in culturally and socially diverse countries could present unique challenges.

Despite these criticisms, Gross National Happiness remains an intriguing and thought-provoking approach to development, offering an alternative perspective that prioritizes well-being and sustainability over purely economic growth. However, striking a balance between economic development and well-being remains a challenge, and further refinement and adaptation of the GNH framework may be necessary to address these critiques effectively.