The Divide of Happiness: Social Comparison in Bangladesh and Finland

This article contrasts the impact of social comparison on happiness in Bangladesh and Finland. It argues that while social comparison diminishes happiness in Bangladesh, Finland’s cultural norms promote contentment. The findings highlight the role of societal values in shaping happiness, underscoring the potential benefits of altering reference groups in a comparison-driven culture.

Happiness represents a universal quest, yet the approaches taken by different societies vary significantly. The contrasting experiences of Bangladesh and Finland provide valuable insights into how cultural norms, particularly regarding social comparison, can influence levels of happiness. Bangladesh reveals how social comparison can diminish happiness, while Finland illustrates a model where such comparisons are less frequent, thereby fostering greater life satisfaction.

In Bangladesh, social comparison deeply permeates society. From an early age, children are taught that personal achievements hold little value if compared unfavorably to peers. This mindset instills a lifelong compulsion to compare oneself negatively against others, resulting in diminished happiness as adults. As individuals navigate adulthood, the comparative pressures only increase, undermining their potential for happiness.

While social comparison is not confined to Bangladesh, it manifests differently across cultures. For example, Americans, despite their wealth, also tend to compare themselves to peers. A Harvard study exemplifies this, where students elected to earn less comparatively rather than a greater absolute income. This highlights the impact of perceived relative income on personal happiness, as discussed by Richard Layard, an eminent professor at the London School of Economics. His findings indicate that increases in societal income may not enhance individual happiness due to rising comparative standards.

In Bangladesh, individuals frequently evaluate their earnings against their colleagues, influenced by childhood teachings that promote relative achievement. They often neglect to assess their employment satisfaction relative to their skills and needs, instead opting to measure their self-worth against peers. On this scale, comparisons are made within close social circles, rather than against unreachable benchmarks such as celebrities.

Conversely, Finland, consistently ranked as the happiest nation in the world, demonstrates a different approach to social comparison. Finnish culture encourages modesty, with individuals less likely to flaunt wealth. As expressed by Finnish poet Eino Leino, happiness is often kept discreet. The populace generally possesses humble aspirations, focusing on personal fulfillment rather than societal status, which fosters a healthier mental outlook.

Additionally, Finland’s impressive social systems contribute significantly to its citizens’ happiness. Strong democratic institutions, free speech, and minimal corruption correlate positively with individual happiness levels. Finnish social benefits, ranging from healthcare to education, play a crucial role in mitigating sources of unhappiness, positioning the government as a facilitator of well-being,
not necessarily the source of happiness itself.

In conclusion, social comparison has detrimental effects on personal happiness by fostering unrealistic expectations and fostering jealousy towards others. These emotions can strain interpersonal relationships and lead individuals to feel unfulfilled despite their achievements. While deeply ingrained societal norms are challenging to shift, individuals in comparison-heavy cultures like Bangladesh can enhance their happiness by altering their reference points. Ultimately, the perspective individuals adopt relative to others largely shapes their happiness.

In summary, this analysis contrasts the detrimental effects of social comparison in Bangladeshi culture with the more positive perspective observed in Finland. It highlights how these differing cultural attitudes significantly impact the overall happiness of their citizens. While changing ingrained societal behaviors takes time, individuals can improve their happiness by focusing on personal growth and shifting their reference groups. Such adjustments could lead to a more contented life, aligning closer with the Finnish approach to happiness.

Original Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd