Literature Review from the year 2009 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Development Politics, , language: English, abstract: Gross National Happiness (GNH) is the philosophy that embraces every aspect of development policies in Bhutan. It is based on the idea that a balance between spiritual and material development for its people is the middle path for development towards the attainment of happiness for its people. In short GNH means development with values. The concept of GNH as a unique and primary development philosophy was initiated and coined by His Majesty, the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His Majesty believes that “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product” and therefore a people centered development with happiness as the end goal is what it should be for Bhutan. This essay provides an overview over the GNH as a goal of development in Buthan and presents the four pillars of the Gross National Happiness.

This paper examines the origins and use of the concept of Gross National Happiness (or subjective well-being) in the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the relationship between measured well-being and macroeconomic indicators. While there are only a few national surveys of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan, the concept has been used to guide public policymaking for the country’s various Five-Year Plans. Consistent with the Easterlin Paradox, available evidence indicates that Bhutan’s rapid increase in national income is only weakly associated with increases in measured levels of well-being. It will be important for Bhutan to undertake more frequent Gross National Happiness surveys and evaluations, to better build evidence for comovement of well-being and macroeconomic concepts such as real national income.

Bhutan is a country in the Himalayas with a relatively new education system and a unique governmental philosophy known as Gross National Happiness. This book explores the history, culture, challenges, and opportunities of schooling in Bhutan. It discusses topics including historical perspectives on Buddhist monastic education, the regional and international influence on educational development, traditional medical education, higher education, and the evolution of Bhutanese educational policy, to name but a few. It also investigates contemporary challenges to schooling in Bhutan such as adult education, inclusive education, early childhood education, rurality, and gender. Throughout the book, the developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness is explored as a novel and culturally vital approach to education in Bhutan. The majority of the authors are prominent Bhutanese scholars and educational leaders, with select non-Bhutanese international scholars with strong links to Bhutan also contributing. This book is a valuable resource not only for those specifically interested in education in Bhutan, but for anyone with an interest in South Asian studies, general Asian studies, educational development, comparative education, Buddhist education, and the Gross National Happiness development philosophy.

"Sustainable Happiness: Bhutan's Development and Pursuit of Gross National Happiness" provides a fascinating exploration into Bhutan's unique and visionary approach to development. Unlike most nations that measure progress through Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Bhutan has famously prioritized Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its principal developmental metric, making happiness and well-being the cornerstones of its national policy. This insightful book delves into the historical context of Bhutan's GNH philosophy, tracing its origins from the early proclamations of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s to its current implementation. It examines the four pillars of GNH: sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, preservation and promotion of culture, conservation of the environment, and good governance. Each chapter intricately explores one of these pillars, offering a comprehensive look at how they collectively contribute to the holistic well-being of Bhutan's citizens. From unique environmental conservation efforts to the promotion of traditional arts and culture, and the focus on equitable social welfare policies, the book illustrates the innovative ways in which Bhutan is striving to achieve sustainable happiness. "Sustainable Happiness" also critically analyzes the challenges and critiques of the GNH model. It discusses the balance between preserving cultural identity and embracing modernization, addressing economic constraints, and ensuring political participation and rights. The book provides an unbiased examination of how Bhutan navigates these complexities in its pursuit of happiness. Furthermore, this book situates Bhutan's development model in a global context, considering its implications and lessons for other nations grappling with the challenges of sustainable development and happiness as a socio-economic objective. It poses thought-provoking questions about the potential for a paradigm shift in global development discourse, inspired by Bhutan's example. Featuring comments and discussions by policymakers, citizens, and scholars, along with detailed case studies, "Sustainable Happiness: Bhutan's Development and Pursuit of Gross National Happiness" is both an educational resource and an inspiring narrative that invites readers to rethink the true meaning of progress and well-being in the 21st century.

Contributed articles presented at the Seminar held in Feb. 18-20, 2004 in Thimphu, Bhutan.