The Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index is a holistic measure of well-being and progress that goes beyond purely economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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It was developed in Bhutan in the 1970s as a response to growing concerns about the limitations of GDP as a measure of societal progress and the need for a more comprehensive framework that considers the happiness and well-being of citizens.
The core dimensions of the Gross National Happiness Index include:
- Psychological Well-being:
Psychological well-being encompasses individuals’ subjective experiences of happiness, life satisfaction, and fulfillment. It considers factors such as mental health, emotional resilience, and overall life satisfaction, recognizing the importance of subjective well-being in assessing overall quality of life. - Health:
Health is a fundamental dimension of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. It includes indicators such as access to healthcare services, life expectancy, disease prevalence, and overall health outcomes. Ensuring the health and well-being of citizens is essential for promoting happiness and quality of life. - Education:
Education is seen as a key determinant of well-being and human development, providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to lead fulfilling and productive lives. The GNH Index considers indicators such as literacy rates, school enrollment, educational attainment, and access to lifelong learning opportunities as measures of educational well-being. - Time Use:
Time use refers to how individuals allocate their time across various activities, including work, leisure, family, and community engagement. It recognizes the importance of work-life balance, leisure time, and meaningful social connections in contributing to overall well-being. The GNH Index assesses time use patterns to ensure that individuals have sufficient time for rest, recreation, and social activities. - Cultural Diversity and Resilience:
Cultural diversity and resilience reflect the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions, values, and practices as sources of identity, meaning, and social cohesion. It acknowledges the role of cultural heritage, traditions, and community ties in enhancing individuals’ sense of belonging and well-being. The GNH Index values cultural diversity and resilience as essential components of sustainable development and societal well-being. - Community Vitality:
Community vitality encompasses the strength, cohesion, and resilience of communities in fostering social connections, mutual support, and collective action. It includes indicators such as social capital, community engagement, trust, and social cohesion, recognizing the importance of strong social networks and supportive communities in promoting individual and collective well-being. - Environmental Resilience:
Environmental resilience refers to the capacity of ecosystems to sustainably provide essential services and support human well-being over the long term. It includes indicators such as air and water quality, biodiversity, ecosystem health, and natural resource management practices. The GNH Index emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and conservation efforts in safeguarding the well-being of current and future generations.
By incorporating these core dimensions, the Gross National Happiness Index provides a more comprehensive framework for assessing societal progress and guiding policy decisions towards promoting holistic well-being, sustainability, and happiness.