CULTURE AND “HAPPINESS”- SOME REFLECTIONS

Authors

  • Huib Wursten Hofstede Insights Group, Netherlands

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35478/jime.2018.3.04

Keywords:

Culture, happiness, constraint, Mental Images, autonomy

Abstract

1.Happiness can be defined as “the deepest attainable inner peace”.
2. Happiness requires some notion of constraint. Civilization over time takes the shape of increased impulse control.
3. It also requires a degree of autonomy. A feeling by people that they are in control of their own lives
4. Those societies with strong concepts of constraint and autonomy within their cultures are markedly happier than others. They are also markedly wealthier. The ‘network’ countries - which also share a strong value of ‘Femininity’ are a standout example
5. Societies that do not have strong values of internal constraint and autonomy are markedly less happy.
6. But all is not lost for hierarchical societies – Governments can take resolute ‘Top down’ action to reinforce a narrow interpretation of rule of law and institutions enforcing the rules. This can restore a sense of being in control of their life to people.

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Published

2021-03-08

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Section

Articles