ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HAPPINESS. CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between culture, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), wealth and happiness and how cultural values and beliefs influence the experiences and perceptions of happiness and well-being. The pursuit of happiness is a universal human trait that crosses nations. The main goal of this article is to explore various aspects of happiness using current economic theory, social conditions and historical changes. Happiness is largely studied by economists and psychologists but culture is rarely their main focus. Cultural understanding must be unpacked in order to fully understand the nuances of happiness which shape people and societies. What is brought forth to the mind, when thinking of happiness, varies noticeably across people and between cultures. The analysis of the term happiness is critical to advance economic theory and the scientific understanding of well-being. It is very useful to consider how “happiness” is used differentially across nations, cultures, and world regions.