Topic: Gross National Happiness
Gross National Happiness (GNH), sometimes called Gross Domestic Happiness (GDH),
is a philosophy that guides the government of Bhutan. It includes an index which is used
to measure the collective happiness and well-being of a population. Gross National
Happiness Index is instituted as the goal of the government of Bhutan in the Constitution
of Bhutan, enacted on 18 July 2008.
History
The advent and concept of "Gross National Happiness" (GNH) flourished and germinated
in the mind of Compassionate Bodhisattva Druk Gyelpo, the 4th King of Bhutan, Jigme
Singye Wangchuk, groomed with the evolution of "Gaki Phuensum" (Peace and
Prosperity) and Modernization period of Bhutan during the reign (1952 - 1972) of Druk
Gyelpo, the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
The term "Gross National Happiness" as conceptualized by the 4th King of Bhutan,
Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972 was declared as, "Gross National Happiness is more
important than Gross Domestic Product." The concept implies that sustainable
development should take a holistic approach towards notions of progress and give equal
importance to non-economic aspects of wellbeing.In 2011, The UN General Assembly
passed Resolution "Happiness: towards a holistic approach to development" urging
member nations to follow the example of Bhutan and measure happiness and well-being
and calling happiness a "fundamental human goal."In 2012, Bhutan's Prime Minister
Jigme Thinley and the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon of the United Nations convened
the High Level Meeting: Well-being and Happiness: Defining a New Economic
Paradigm to encourage the spread of Bhutan's GNH philosophy. At the High Level
meeting, the first World Happiness Report was issued. Shortly afterward, the 20 March
was declared to be International Day of Happiness by the UN in 2012 with resolution
66/28.Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay proclaimed a preference for focus on
more concrete goals instead of promoting GNH when he took office, but subsequently
has protected the GNH of his country and promoted the concept internationally. Other
Bhutanese officials also promote the spread of GNH at the UN and internationally.
Definition
GNH is distinguishable from Gross Domestic Product by valuing collective happiness as
the goal of governance, by emphasizing harmony with nature and traditional values as
expressed in the 9 domains of happiness and 4 pillars of GNH. According to the
Bhutanese government, the four pillars of GNH are:
sustainable and equitable socio-economic development;
environmental conservation;
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller rayaneguessous. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.