The article contrasts how social comparison affects happiness in Bangladesh and Finland. In Bangladesh, social comparison undermines happiness as individuals measure their success against peers, while Finland’s cultural emphasis on modesty fosters contentment. Institutional factors in Finland also contribute significantly to overall happiness, while individuals in comparison-focused societies can improve well-being by shifting their reference groups to those of lower income.
Happiness remains a universal aspiration, yet the pathways toward achieving it differ significantly across societies. Bangladesh and Finland illustrate this divergence vividly, particularly through the influence of cultural norms and social comparison on individual happiness. In Bangladesh, pervasive social comparison tends to diminish happiness, whereas Finland’s cultural landscape fosters contentment by minimizing such comparisons. These contrasting societal dynamics underscore the complex interplay between cultural factors and life satisfaction.
In Bangladesh, social comparison is a cultural phenomenon that significantly detracts from happiness. Children are conditioned to believe that personal success is insufficient if their peers exceed them. Consequently, many adults struggle with happiness due to the deeply ingrained habit of comparing themselves to others, which began in their formative years. Potentially, this mindset hampers their ability to appreciate their own achievements, reflecting a broader trend observed globally where individuals often measure themselves against peers regardless of socioeconomic context.
A noteworthy study highlighted that American students would prefer earning $50,000 annually if their peers earned $25,000 rather than earning $100,000 against peers earning $250,000. This suggests that individuals prioritize perceived relative income over absolute income, as noted by Richard Layard from the London School of Economics in his book “Happiness: Lessons from a New Science.” He asserts that as income rises, so do the income norms, complicating the relationship between economic growth and increased happiness.
In Bangladesh, this tendency manifests through frequent income comparisons with colleagues and those within similar economic strata, reflecting a societal conditioning where relative income is the primary benchmark for satisfaction. Individuals seldom assess their earnings based on their skills or needs but rather against the salaries of peers, often leading them to narrow reference groups that include colleagues, rather than celebrities or those with significantly higher economic status.
In stark contrast, Finland has been recognized as the happiest country for eight consecutive years according to the World Happiness Report. Finnish happiness can be attributed in part to cultural practices surrounding social comparison. The Finnish populace typically emphasizes modesty over ostentation, often opting for ordinary vehicles and avoiding public displays of wealth. This cultural approach encourages individuals to cherish simple joys, rather than engaging in constant social comparison or striving for status.
Finnish citizens demonstrate contentment by valuing meaningful work, relationships, and everyday pleasures over material success. This leads to a reduced emphasis on societal status, allowing for enhanced happiness. Additionally, institutional factors support Finnish well-being, as democratic governance, effective public services, and social welfare programs significantly contribute to citizens’ overall happiness by addressing sources of discontent.
Social comparison generates unrealistic expectations, detracting from individuals’ satisfaction with their lives. It fosters feelings of jealousy and resentment, which can strain interpersonal relationships. Although altering ingrained cultural norms is challenging, individuals in societies focused on comparison, such as Bangladesh, may enhance their happiness by recalibrating their reference groups to include those with lower incomes, thereby encouraging an appreciation for personal progress rather than relative standing. Ultimately, the perspective individuals adopt about themselves in relation to others plays a crucial role in determining their happiness.
This analysis emphasizes the vital role that social comparison plays in influencing happiness across different cultural contexts. Bangladesh illustrates the adverse effects of constant peer comparisons, leading to reduced satisfaction, while Finland showcases a model where modesty and contentment prevail. Altering reference groups may offer a pathway for individuals in comparison-driven societies to enhance their happiness. Continuous self-reflection and the cultivation of gratitude for personal achievements can further contribute to improved well-being, suggesting a need for cultural shifts in measuring success.
Original Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd
