Many may say that traveling in Asia has a certain trend that runs throughout all experiences. A mindset of collectivist cultures, loads of rice and beautiful scenery overclouded by a smidgen of polluted air. (Okay, quite a bit of polluted air) I have been exposed to many courses developing my ability to remain culturally competent and adaptable throughout my academic journey, yet remained aloof to what I was about to experience as I prepared to depart for the beautiful Bhutan. So I invite you to sit back, find your cup of coffee, tea, soda on the rocks or whatever your palate so pleases and take this journey with me as I delve deep into experiences and lessons learned from being immersed within the culture and environment of this exquisite country. Preparing ourselves to take this journey demands shaking off every preconceived idea or stereotyped perception and allowing open mindedness to become reality.
Nestled within the eastern side of the himalayas, Bhutan stamps itself on the map. With a population of just over 750,000 the connection was made that the entirety of this nation is not much larger than the state of Vermont. Having been widely closed to any outside influences and relations, 1971 was a big year for this nation. Joining the UN in 1971, Bhutan began very slowly engaging in international relationships. Prior to this, Bhutan and Britain had binding relationships influenced by Britain's victory of the 1865 Duar War, leading to the signing of a treaty which exchanged subsidy for Bhutan’s land to British India. Relationships with Britain have held significant influence in the way Bhutan has structured and conducted themselves beyond this point. In 2008 the King ratified the first constitution playing into the increase of a national identity for the Bhutanese people. Largely influenced by religion, Buddhism accounts for approximately 75% of Bhutan with a small but present influence of Indian and Nepalese Hinduism.
Many questions arise when seeking to acquire wisdom from such a diverse structure of government. Having much influence of British parliament the people of Bhutan remain inherently distinct. These differences are notable and intensify the exceptional path to good governance that leadership has sought to promote within the people. For the purpose of this research I wish to pursue greater understanding of the fascinating realities which embody the people of Bhutan. How does the blanketing measurement of Gross National Happiness (GNH) contribute to individual fulfillment and happiness? Fundamental to this is gaining a deeper knowledge to how the people perceive individual happiness. Are individuals deeply happy or is there a collective happy that generalizes the entire country of Bhutan? These are the questions I carried with me as I journeyed to immerse myself within this culture. With little knowledge on what to expect and little material to research prior to departing, my scope was narrowly defined in terms and were brought on by my own perception. I wanted to more deeply understand the value of individualism and collectivism. Is one more valued than the other and how does this flow throughout Bhutan? How does being a part of community compare with an individual's effort to be unique? These questions are further examined throughout the rest of this paper by noting important indicators that influence perceptions such as education, community assets, religion and the expansion of globalization.
Collectivism and Individualism
Arriving in Bhutan we were met by clean air and beautiful skies. For a weary traveler it could easily be reasoned that our take on fresh and clear skies was simply the jet lag talking but something about this place seems weightless and pure. An article published by AFS (American Field Service) recently documented that the concepts of the value of happiness is derived from collectivism and individualism. The article challenges the reader to think outside the box on how happiness influences our daily lives and communities. Collectivism is known to inherently increase our sense of belonging and purpose within communities. With this idea, our happiness and satisfaction is known to increase with serving and supporting our community around us. Individualism, on the other hand, can be seen to increase our sense of uniqueness and independence. While each have strong positive influences there are ups and downs to both individualism and collectivism. The article by AFS goes further to discuss the influence on happiness across cultures. Claiming that cultural identity, self identity and group identity are highly influential to the degree of happiness someone experiences. According to Webster’s dictionary, collectivism is roughly described as the valuing of group action and identity over self. Individualism by contrast is “the belief that the needs of each person are more important than the needs of a whole society or group.” Interweaving the two concepts together seems quite contrary and beyond the limits of reason. However, I stand to reason that given the right circumstances a person can fulfill individualistic tendencies through exerting him or herself within the realm of collectivist actions. With this in mind, I journey on to better understand the center of GNH and it’s levels of measurement.
What is GNH?
The Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research has posted the annual 2015 GNH questionnaire which holds the following categories as a valued form of measuring happiness for individuals. There are four pillars that represent the measuring of GNH. Good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, preservation of culture and environmental conservation. By valuing these four components as the most important, the community is unified and thrives in return. Within these four pillars there is a further breakdown of measuring GNH in the form of what is known as the nine domains. These domains consist of living standards, education, health, environment, community vitality, time-use, psychological well-being, good governance, cultural resilience and promotion. Leadership has so relentlessly striven to uphold these values within every aspect of Bhutanese culture. At first glance it can be perceived that level of happiness is a simple yes or no question. Further evaluating brings light that, while maybe not gleaming at the level many american mindsets seem to relate, happiness is much more interwoven within the culture and thriving as a whole.
“Education has contributed significantly to Bhutan's rapid development, in line with its philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Being educated in English has enabled Bhutanese students to study in all parts of the world, earning degrees in everything from accounting to medicine to visual arts, and to return to Bhutan to apply their knowledge and skills.”(Ministry of Education) As development continues to shift for the people of Bhutan so do contributing factors of happiness. Education and intercultural exposure is much more prominent within recent years marking key influential points for the Bhutanese people to adapt and shift towards. A new mindset of international community, cultural and relationships expose valuable shifts that the people of Bhutan are taking in order to maintain a healthy level of progression for their society as a whole. Ultimately, it’s influencers such as these that play tribute to a rise in GNH. In other words, if learning English and expanding education is what the people value, then in turn, GNH will measure higher as these are more richly valued. It is in this light that I stand to portray the reality that GNH does not stand freely alone, but rather is integrated deeply within the principles and practices of collectivism and individualism. Going deeper into our awareness of the merging between individualism and collectivism we can more thoroughly evaluate by looking to research done by Markus and Kitayama. (1991) They distinguish the relationship between the independent and the interdependent self. Acknowledging this allows us to go deeper in our understanding of the underlying dependency on community within human nature reasoning that one cannot remain truly individualistic without being tied, in some fashion, to a collective trait.
Bhutan’s View
Bhutan remains a developing country in many aspects. Many ventures they arrive at are being faced for the first time. Often growing pains are inevitable not matter the area of growth. What is commonly phrased as a ‘conscious search for happiness’ is reasoned by the Bhutanese that material development does not stand alone on the path to individual and collective fulfilment. “GNH stands for the holistic needs of the human individual - both physical and mental well being. It reasons that while material development measures contribute undeniably, to enhancing physical well-being, the state of mind which is perhaps, more important than the body, is not conditioned by material circumstances alone.”(Thinly) Collective happiness rather, is sought and maintained through these holistic development approaches. While literacy and education are valued among the Bhutanese people, skills and the ability to perform tasks are heavily influencing when it comes to productivity. With handicrafts and agriculture remaining key influential resources, education has become more prioritized only in recent years as Bhutan steadily opens up to an international market. The expansion of education has widely been linked to furthering the significance of GNH and development as a whole.
The communities of Bhutan are all rich with many physical, human, natural and social assets. As they continue to develop, many of these have grown and expanded to leverage in deeper ways than before. Religion is a major aspect of social assets and brings a deep bond between many of the people and the environment. Not only mutual respect for one another, but a respect for the environment in which they live. Whether these assets are acknowledged or function more within the subconscious, the people of Bhutan support themselves, the community around them and the environment in which they live. Integrating GNH into all aspects of society has had large impact in preserving the people and the environment of Bhutan. In attempt to more thoroughly connect cultural perceptions of GNH and it’s structure, I will further evaluate Bhutan’s cultural perception in comparison to the U.S.
The Lens That We Create/ Assessing Needs
Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture offer relatable insight within the cultural perceptions of Bhutan. To go deeper we must first acknowledge these five cultural dimensions are power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation. While this is not the only form of comparison, Hofstede offers interesting insight into the differences and similarities between two vastly different cultures. Bhutan’s power distance is the highest among all the comparisons. 94 on the scale of power distance proves that as a whole, hierarchical structures are heavy within the society. In contrast, the U.S. falls as a 40 on the scale for power dimension proving that society, as whole, is given a stronger voice to individuals. Individualism is flipped when comparing the two. The U.S. lands at 91 and Bhutan 52. Independence is defined as the degree of freedom that individual members are given amongst it’s members. In these societies people are valuing themselves more so than society as a whole. Masculinity and uncertainty avoidance are settled significantly higher in the U.S. than in Bhutan.
These two points are weighted in a society's ability to embrace ambiguity and it’s need to compete and be successful as the best at something. Sometimes I broadly associate this with a drive for innovation and creativity, consistently embracing change and new ways of doing these. Comparatively, with a culture's deep connection to traditional customs and history are often times limiting to a shift towards something new, due to attempts at preserving cultural ties. This approach to intercultural research exemplifies the value of keeping open minds when placing ourselves in environments culturally different from our own. The example further proves that while Bhutan is fascinating and well acclimated to functioning within a realm unique to that society, they are still vastly different than my own. As they further develop, expanding into a more international community it will be a time of transition as other countries learn from GNH and visa versa.
Our Journey
‘Bhutan, Happiness is a place’ is the slogan coined by the Tourism Council of Bhutan(TCB) to present themselves globally. The TCB settled on this slogan largely because they wanted a way to showcase the many aspects of it’s society of which happiness plays a vital component. “The process started with the insight that people are happiest with the simplest things in life. A rainbow, a child's laughter and a puppy dog can make people happier than material needs. Real happiness can be found in the simplest of things.”(LTM) This is something that the people of Bhutan have placed great value within for many years. This value translates not only from the community as a whole but to individuals. Flowing from a society that, as a whole, is wealthy in a far more significant manner than materially, flows trends of happiness amongst individuals no matter the material situation. Journeying to Bhutan, hearing the officials and community speak, and further researching since my return has led me to conclude that while some may perceive materially lacking to be “poor” perception can be altered to view this level of poorness not as lacking but as embracing simplicity. Minimalistic lifestyles have the ability to contribute greatly to individuals clarity of mind and level of happiness. According to Becoming Minimalist, “Happiness is not found in owning as many possessions as possible; it’s found living life consistent with your greatest passions” (Becker)
As we journeyed and experienced many different things throughout our time in country, I found myself challenged by many aspects of the culture within the culture, if you will. I fully expected my awareness of viewing this culture as lacking. But lacking what? In my American lens it was lacking material goods which are, in my eyes, crucial to living at one’s fullest. Truth be told, focusing on this made me miss the entire component this country possesses that leads them to vast wealth. The very assets they value the most counter the trends that speak to needing more to acquire success. Religion and traditional customs are highly valued throughout this society. Whether you believe in a religion or not, seeking to fist serve others, find value in our environment and value in our time spent bettering the community around us we can shape our perceptions on happiness to take on that of inner peace and self worth through collective efforts. Ultimately this is where the crossroads of individualism and collectivism collide. When the needs of the individuals meet that of needing to serve others, preserve the environment they live within and better the community around them. When individualism and collectivism collide, the ability to strengthen relationships spreads like wildfire and gives rise to immense value and wealth amongst contributing members.
Conclusion
In a sense, this is the very thing that Bhutan does so well. The knowledge that I have gained from observing as an outsider within the great country is immense. How I perceive this culture remains relevant to the lens I take on from my own cultural experiences and development overtime. However, I think there is something to be said of the value which individuals denote to the overall wealth and success of, not only the community around them, but the future prosperity of Bhutan as a whole. “Bhutan might globally be a small country, yet it holds a very strong identity and unity” Valuing the preservation of cultural identity is quintessential for Bhutan as they continue to integrate into a more globalized community.
It is community value such as this that has led this beautiful nation into a realm of such uniquenes. According to an article published in the UNISDR in 2013, “While the people of Bhutan may be few, the value-based approach they offer has relevance globally. A favored Bhutanese fable tells the tale of how four friends -- a peacock, a monkey, a rabbit and an elephant, all hungry work together to plant a fruit tree. Each contributes what it can. When the tree is grown, they stand upon each other’s back forming a ladder to reach the fruit. The value of each contribution was essential to the project.” The concept of people helping people can ring great success in the eyes of improving wealth for individuals. Both intrinsic and extrinsic wealth becomes measurable when prioritizing a focus of building success for one by building success for all. It boils down to a lens of servitude, keeping in sync with the valuing individual wealth and happiness as an integral part of community building.
