This article explores how social comparison affects happiness in Bangladesh and Finland. Bangladesh represents a culture where constant comparison leads to diminished happiness, while Finland showcases an approach that values contentment and modesty. The contrasting perspectives illuminate the effects of cultural norms on life satisfaction and highlight potential avenues for improving personal happiness by adjusting social comparisons.
Happiness is pursued universally, yet different societies take distinct paths towards achieving it. Bangladesh and Finland provide an intriguing contrast due to their diverse economies, cultures, and governance structures, showcasing how cultural norms related to social comparison can significantly impact happiness. Bangladesh exemplifies how such comparisons can detract from happiness, while Finland illustrates how a lack of constant social comparison positively influences life satisfaction.
In Bangladesh, social comparison is deeply rooted, hindering self-esteem and happiness. From childhood, children learn that their accomplishments are only valuable if they exceed those of their peers. This mentality often continues into adulthood, making it difficult for individuals to feel satisfied with their lives unless they outperform others.
Although social comparison is prevalent in various societies, it manifests differently in different economic contexts. For instance, a study involving Harvard students showed a preference for earning lower absolute income if it meant outperforming peers, highlighting the importance of relative income in happiness. Richard Layard suggests that happiness might decrease with general income rises in society, as expectations also increase.
In Bangladesh, this continuous reference to peers fosters a comparison culture that often disrupts personal satisfaction. Bangladeshis tend to evaluate their earnings against those of colleagues rather than looking at their absolute success relative to skills or experience, illustrating a narrow frame of reference that exacerbates feelings of inadequacy.
Conversely, Finland has consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries globally, aided by cultural modesty in social comparison. Wealth in Finland is often understated, with even the affluent opting for simplicity, prioritizing ordinary aspirations such as fulfilling jobs and family life over luxury items. This cultural attitude fosters happiness through contentment rather than competition.
While institutional factors greatly contribute to Finnish happiness by establishing quality governance and social welfare systems, social comparisons play a role in how individuals perceive happiness. Finns display less status anxiety, focusing on their personal contentment without the societal pressure to constantly outperform others.
Finland’s success in minimizing sources of unhappiness—through free healthcare, education, and an effective democratic framework—enhances overall happiness. The focus in Finland is not on having extreme happiness but on limiting the extremes of unhappiness among citizens.
In conclusion, social comparisons significantly undermine happiness by creating unrealistic expectations and fostering negative emotions such as jealousy. Changing entrenched societal norms may be challenging, yet individuals can seek to enhance their happiness by recalibrating their reference groups and concentrating on personal achievements instead of relative standings. Adjusting the lens through which one assesses their life can lead to greater contentment and well-being.
In summary, happiness is significantly affected by the culture of social comparison within societies. Bangladesh’s focus on relative success can hinder happiness, while Finland’s emphasis on modesty and personal contentment promotes a healthier perception of happiness. Understanding these cultural differences highlights the potential for individuals to recalibrate their reference points, enhancing personal satisfaction and overall well-being.
Original Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd
