This article examines the contrasting influences of social comparison on happiness in Bangladesh and Finland. Bangladesh suffers from detrimental social comparison, which creates unrealistic standards and diminishes happiness, whereas Finland exemplifies a culture of modesty and contentment, ranked as a top country for happiness. Institutional factors also play a crucial role in Finland’s high happiness levels, highlighting the need for cultural shifts in societies with high social comparison.
Happiness stands as a universal aspiration, yet the means by which disparate societies endeavor to attain it can vary significantly. A closer examination of Bangladesh and Finland—countries starkly divergent in terms of economy, culture, and governance—illuminates how cultural norms can profoundly influence personal happiness, particularly through the lens of social comparison.
In Bangladesh, the impact of social comparison is profoundly detrimental to happiness. Children are socialized to believe that their accomplishments are meaningless if their peers excel beyond them. This relentless comparative mentality fosters a belief that absolute excellence is insufficient if relative performance does not meet societal standards, often culminating in difficulties in achieving happiness in adulthood.
Social comparison, however, is a human inclination not confined to Bangladesh alone. For instance, studies conducted among American students reveal a preference for relative success over absolute financial prosperity. Respondents chose scenarios where they earned less money but were wealthier than their peers, exemplifying the pervasive nature of comparative happiness.
Professor Richard Layard highlights that economic growth struggles to augment happiness, citing research indicating that increased societal earnings can diminish individual happiness proportions. He argues that perceived relative income often weighs more heavily on happiness than actual income levels, diminishing the efficacy of economic improvements in boosting contentment.
In the case of Bangladeshis, comparisons frequently revolve around salaries within one’s close community rather than against distant figures. This limited reference group signifies that individuals judge their well-being against peers rather than unattainable celebrities, leading to a skewed perception of success and happiness, which correlates with Bangladesh’s low ranking in global happiness indexes.
Conversely, Finland has consistently excelled in happiness rankings, largely attributed to cultural factors that minimize social comparison. Finnish society exhibits a tendency toward modesty, characterized by a reluctance to showcase wealth publicly. As Dr. Frank Martela illustrates, Finns find contentment in simplicity, prioritizing personal fulfillment over societal status, thereby cultivating a more profound sense of happiness.
Institutional factors play a critical role in Finnish well-being as well. Countries with sound democratic principles and effective governance enhance citizens’ happiness levels. Generous social welfare systems, including health care, education, and financial securities, further mitigate sources of unhappiness, fortifying the overall contentment of Finnish society.
In summary, social comparison undermines happiness by fostering unrealistic expectations, leading individuals to disregard their achievements in favor of perceived shortcomings relative to others. Moreover, such comparisons can breed jealousy and strain relationships. While fundamental societal attitudes may not change rapidly, individuals in comparison-heavy cultures, like Bangladesh, might enhance their happiness by adjusting their reference groups and concentrating on personal growth. Shifting focus to those who earn less could serve to alleviate the adverse effects of social comparison and setting realistic standards for personal satisfaction.
The exploration of happiness in Bangladesh and Finland reveals that cultural practices surrounding social comparison significantly influence personal happiness. In Bangladesh, relentless comparisons diminish happiness, while Finland’s societal norms promote contentment through modesty and reduced relative assessment. This indicates that fostering a cultural shift towards personal accomplishments and setting appropriate reference groups can enhance subjective well-being, ultimately contributing to a more satisfying life experience irrespective of societal standards.
Original Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd
