Social Comparison: The Divergence in Happiness Between Bangladesh and Finland
The article contrasts the approaches to happiness in Bangladesh and Finland, focusing on the role of social comparison. In Bangladesh, societal norms lead to diminished happiness due to constant comparison among peers. Conversely, Finland’s culture promotes modesty and a less competitive mindset, contributing to higher satisfaction. Institutional factors also play a significant role in Finnish happiness.
Happiness is universally desired, yet societies adopt different methods to achieve it. The experiences of Bangladesh and Finland provide a striking contrast in the role of cultural norms influencing happiness, particularly through social comparisons. While the pervasive tendency for social comparison significantly affects happiness in Bangladesh, Finland represents a society where such comparisons are less impactful, fostering greater life satisfaction.
In Bangladesh, social comparisons are central to the societal mindset, often diminishing happiness. Children in Bangladesh learn early on that achieving excellence is insufficient if their peers excel more. This philosophy sows discontent, leading many to struggle with happiness in adulthood. The habit of comparing oneself to others extends beyond Bangladesh, affecting individuals globally, as demonstrated by a study of Harvard students preferring a lower income as long as it was higher than that of their peers.
Professor Richard Layard of the London School of Economics argues that economic growth rarely translates into enhanced happiness due to the shifting nature of social comparison. As individuals invariably compare their earnings against their peers, their perceived happiness diminishes even as their actual economic means improve. This tendency towards relative income assessments hampers overall satisfaction, particularly within Bangladeshi society where specific peer groups form the basis for comparison, rather than broader contexts.
Conversely, Finland has consistently ranked as the world’s happiest country, largely because social comparison plays a diminished role in their culture. The Finnish proverb, “Kell’ onni on, se onnen kätkeköön,” suggests that those who have happiness often conceal it, indicating cultural modesty. Finns tend to adopt more subdued lifestyles, opting for average vehicles and prioritizing contentment over status.
Finnish citizens, while retaining access to high quality institutions such as healthcare and education, focus on simple aspirations like engaging work and family life, recognizing that happiness emerges from enjoying everyday moments rather than competing socially. The observed decision-making of even wealthy individuals reflects a collective disinterest in flaunting wealth, as exemplified by affluent Finns utilizing public transport without extravagance.
Institutional aspects further enhance Finnish happiness; robust democratic systems correlate with elevated levels of citizen contentment. Finland’s low corruption rates, combined with extensive social benefits, contribute significantly to overall life satisfaction. The Finnish model demonstrates that happiness is sustained not by the pursuit of extreme joy but by a reduction of extreme unhappiness.
Ultimately, the influence of social comparison on happiness stems from unrealistic expectations. By shifting focus from comparisons to personal progress and achievements, individuals can forge a path towards improved happiness. While it may be impractical to eliminate social comparison entirely, individuals can benefit from adjusting their reference groups to those earning less, consequently fostering a more optimistic outlook on one’s circumstances.
Frank Martela, an assistant professor at Aalto University, offers insights into the Nordic pursuit of happiness in his recent publications. Mahmudul Islam, a journalist with a keen interest in Finnish society, contributes to this comprehensive analysis.
This article highlights the significant impact of social comparison on happiness in both Bangladesh and Finland, illustrating that cultural contexts shape our life satisfaction. Bangladesh’s societal habit of comparison leads to diminished happiness, while Finland’s emphasis on modesty and contentment promotes a higher quality of life. Emphasizing personal achievements over relative success can foster greater happiness, suggesting a potential pathway for individuals in comparison-driven societies.
Original Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd
