Now, here is a picture displaying nominal GDP per capita for 2008:
Do you notice any disparities between the two pictures? Clearly there are connections between nominal GDP and "happiness", but how do you think we could better measure quality of life? Here is an article on this topic to consider: http://www.yesmagazine.org/new-economy/the-economics-of-happiness
I understand most of this connection between GDP per capita and happiness, its quite clear that money has a direct effect. But there are a few countries that have surprised me Venezuela for one, a low GDP yet very happy, or Mongolia popped out at me as well, it would be interesting to study the individualities in these two nations in particular and see whether this is culturally related socially related or politically related. A
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool... For the most part it appears as though per capita GDP and happiness have a direct correlation. I guess money can, and does, buy happiness.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. Although individual wealth makes individuals happier in almost all cases there are a few notable exceptions to the trend. Japan for example has a very high GDP but only an average happiness rating, while Russia is very unhappy but has a decent GDP.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I was also rather surprised by Australia ranking so high in GDP. I have never really heard of it being a major economic power or as being particularly wealthy.
Personally i think it depends on the area and people you grew up with to determine what you consider happiness. Of course in america many people are materialistic and need money to be happy. However some people i know just want a decent job with family and friends in a small town the rest of their life because that is their happiness. Maybe in those countries where they do not have a lot of money their happiness comes from that type of living or certain traditions that are very strong in some of those countries. I don't think money measures happiness, unless you need money to buy the toys that make you happy like boats and atvs for example.
ReplyDeleteI think that the proposition that money determines happiness is really frustrating and depressing. Even though the two graphs suggest this association, I do not believe it should be like this.
ReplyDeleteHowever, like the article said, it is very hard to operationally define happiness in an experiment like this. If it comes from being more than content with your job and your family, then so be it. I just hope that when I find a home and a family that my happiness will not be determined by money or my country's GDP, but by the health I have and the people and love around me. (E)
There is a big difference between causation and correlation. These graphs clearly show a correlation between GDP and happiness but this doesn't prove a causal relationship. And the correlation does make sense--as with Maslow's hierarchy of needs it has got to be pretty hard to be happy if you are starving. on the other hand, people mentioned above that Venezuela has a low GDP but are still happy, suggesting that culture has a hug impact on quality of life too. So when Christine said that she finds the suggested relationship depressing, I have to say i agree that we don't need to live in a world where money makes us happy, but I also don't think that's what these graphs show.
ReplyDeleteAlso, on a philosophical note, I remember discussing the concept of happiness in my philosophy of ethics class and I wonder how people's definitions of happiness affect this graph. Also, whether America would still be a vibrant blue if the happiness study were completed during the recession (maybe it was? it doesn't say). Going back to Christine's point on happiness has more to do with societal situations, it is possible the the Venezuelan happiness without as much money but with a stronger culture is more authentic than a conditional happiness in America that frequently depends on material status.
GDP is an ok estimate of how a country is doing and its growth. Thats why they have used to for so long. I think what the GDP leaves out thought is the small details that can really give economists an idea of how the economy is really doing. The countries that are the happiest however, are just countries with higher standard of living. I think it has more to do with that than whether the economy grew.
ReplyDeleteI think this is more of a coincidence than anything else . I feel happiness is a much deeper psychological phenomena that isn't so simple as to correlate with simply money.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense to me that "hapiness" is related to economy, but I think there are lot more factors influencing people's mood. Higher salary may cause more stress, for example. It depends on individuals' choice and life philosophy to judge how happy they are.
ReplyDeleteFrom the two pictures above, apparently, the GDP not only represent the market value go all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time. It also related to the quality and the happiness of people's living situation. Such as United States and Australia, both developed countries, even though their GDP number won't increase like developing countries, but their economy are keep at a good level and well developed.
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