Gross National Happiness (GNH)

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a unique development philosophy that originated in Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom. It was introduced by the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the 1970s as an alternative to the traditional measure of national development, Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Instead of focusing solely on economic growth, GNH emphasizes the holistic well-being of individuals and society.

The concept of GNH is based on the idea that true development should not only focus on material wealth but also on improving the quality of life, spiritual well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Four Pillars of Gross National Happiness

GNH is built upon four main pillars, which guide policies and initiatives in Bhutan:

1. Sustainable and Inclusive Socio-Economic Development
   • This pillar advocates for a balanced approach to development, where economic growth is aligned with social well-being, equity, and long-term sustainability. It ensures that development benefits everyone, including marginalized and disadvantaged groups, and is not solely focused on increasing material wealth.
   • It emphasizes social security, access to education, and healthcare, as well as sustainable employment opportunities.
2. Conservation of the Environment
   • Bhutan is famous for its commitment to environmental protection. The second pillar emphasizes that economic development should not come at the expense of the environment.
   • Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that has committed to maintaining a carbon-negative status, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide through its forests and conservation efforts than it emits.
   • The government has implemented policies to preserve its rich biodiversity, such as ensuring that at least 60% of the country remains under forest cover.
3. Preservation and Promotion of Culture
   • GNH underscores the importance of preserving Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage, traditions, and values. This pillar promotes the revitalization of traditional arts, language, and religion while also embracing modernity in a way that is consistent with Bhutanese identity.
   • Bhutan encourages the cultivation of spiritual values, especially through Buddhism, which plays a central role in the lives of many Bhutanese people. It also promotes national festivals, traditional crafts, and cultural expressions.
4. Good Governance
   • Good governance is essential for the success of GNH. This pillar emphasizes transparency, accountability, and effective leadership, where decisions are made with the well-being of all citizens in mind.
   • The government promotes democracy, the rule of law, and a participatory political process, ensuring that citizens are involved in decision-making, particularly in policies that impact their quality of life.

Nine Domains of Gross National Happiness

To further refine GNH, Bhutan developed nine domains that measure different aspects of happiness and well-being. These domains help to assess how well a country is doing in achieving GNH. They include:

1. Psychological Well-Being: Measures the mental and emotional state of individuals, including life satisfaction, positive emotions, and psychological resilience.
2. Health: Assesses access to healthcare, life expectancy, and general physical health.
3. Education: Focuses on the quality of education and access to learning opportunities for all citizens, including literacy rates and educational attainment.
4. Time Use: Considers how people balance their work, leisure, and family life. This domain looks at whether people have enough free time for socializing, hobbies, and rest.
5. Cultural Diversity and Resilience: Measures the preservation and promotion of Bhutanese cultural identity and the strength of social networks and community support.
6. Good Governance: Evaluates the effectiveness of government institutions, democratic practices, and the public’s trust in the government.
7. Community Vitality: Looks at the strength of community ties, social relationships, and participation in community life, including factors such as safety and social support.
8. Ecological Diversity and Resilience: Focuses on the conservation of natural resources, environmental protection, and the resilience of ecosystems to climate change and human activity.
9. Living Standards: Examines the economic well-being of individuals, including income levels, housing quality, and access to basic necessities like food, water, and sanitation.

GNH in Practice

Bhutan’s government uses GNH as a guide in formulating policies and programs. It is integrated into national development plans, and regular assessments of the country’s GNH are conducted through surveys. For example, the GNH Index is used to measure progress in the different domains of happiness. It is not just a tool for policy but also serves as a reminder that the well-being of the people and the environment should be central to any development effort.

• Education and Health: Bhutan has made significant investments in universal healthcare and education, offering free education and healthcare services to its citizens.
• Environment: Bhutan has prioritized environmental sustainability. The country is known for its commitment to carbon neutrality and for its conservation efforts, including protecting its forests, which cover over 70% of the country.
• Cultural Protection: Bhutan’s commitment to cultural preservation is evident in its policies. For instance, the government supports traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts and ensures that modern developments do not erode Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
• Governance: The country adopted a democratic system of government in 2008, with a constitutional monarchy. Bhutan’s electoral process is transparent, and public participation in governance is encouraged.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the GNH framework has garnered attention and admiration globally, it is not without challenges:

• Measurement: Quantifying happiness is inherently subjective, and different individuals or cultures might define happiness in diverse ways. The GNH Index, while comprehensive, has been critiqued for the difficulty of measuring some aspects like psychological well-being or cultural resilience accurately.
• Economic Growth vs. Happiness: Critics argue that Bhutan’s relatively low GDP could limit the country’s ability to compete economically in the global market, although Bhutan prioritizes long-term happiness over short-term economic growth.
• Globalization: The country faces challenges from external pressures, including globalization, which can influence Bhutan’s cultural practices and economic strategies.

Global Influence

Bhutan’s focus on GNH has attracted international interest and has inspired other countries to consider alternatives to GDP as measures of success. The concept has been shared in various international forums, such as the United Nations, where Bhutan has called for a global shift towards measuring well-being and sustainability rather than just economic growth.

Conclusion

Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a bold and innovative development philosophy that prioritizes holistic well-being, sustainability, and cultural preservation over material wealth. Through its comprehensive approach, Bhutan offers a distinctive model that balances economic development, environmental protection, and social and cultural well-being. While it is still evolving and faces challenges, GNH remains a unique and influential framework for considering the true progress of a nation.