Globalization versus Gross National Happiness in Bhutan - Essay Example

Name] [Professor Name] [Course] [Date] Contents Abstract 2 Globalization v Gross National Happiness: Balancing threat and opportunity in Bhutan 3 Overview 3 Marrying Gross National Happiness and Globalization 3 Opportunities and Threats 5 Diplomatic Ties 5 Trade and Commerce 5 Social Trends 6 Social Isolation 7 Food 7 Migrations 8 Environment 8 Governance 9 Corruption 9 Security Dimension 10 Science and Technology 10 Tourism and Fashion 11 Materialism and Violence 13 Conclusion 13 References 14 Abstract Gross National Happiness is today an iconic national philosophy Bhutan, Himalayan Kingdom. It has gained international fame for its exceptional principles that promote economic development of the small nation while at the same time promoting traditional cultures of the Bhutanese people (Alkire and Foster, 2011). However, the effects of globalization have presented varying degrees of opportunities and challenges to the realization of the nine domains of the Gross National Happiness (Pankaj and Dorji, n.d.). The government faces a great challenge of balancing the opportunities and threats. Indeed, studies have shown that Bhutan is confronted with challenges of fulfilling its objective of ensuring sustainable economy and keeping its cultural identity under check. This paper examines the threats and opportunities that globalization presents to the ideology of Gross National Happiness (Schell, 2002). Globalization v Gross National Happiness: Balancing threat and opportunity in Bhutan Overview Marrying Gross National Happiness and Globalization Situated in eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a relatively small territory that extends around 38,494 square kilometers. Although it is a landlocked country that has rugged terrains, the country has attained socioeconomic milestones over the recent years. For instance, the kingdom’s annual economic growth was averagely between 8 percent between 1980 and 2003. The country’s per capita GDP rose to $1,523 from $239, from 1980 to 2006. The progress has been largely attributed to the kingdom’s ideology of Gross National Happiness. The process of globalization has eluded any definite definition. Technically, it has appeared to present a wide variety of implications, such as social, cultural, political, economic and ideological (Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2002). With this regard, it is a process that integrates sociopolitical, cultural or economic implications across frontiers of different nations (Schell, 2002). The term can however be applied to reflect implications such as the cross-border mobility of technology, knowledge or people. The consequences of globalization have extended across the globe although with divergent intensities. Bhutan faces the unavoidable implications of globalization, which means the Bhutanese government has to convert the opportunities of globalizations for the benefit of its citizens (Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2002). Bhutan faces challenges to the implementation of Gross National Happiness, its development philosophy instituted in the principle that human happiness is a compound of non-material and material needs (Priesner, 2008). This development concept provides that development policies should be focused on satisfaction of those needs. With increased pressures to liberalize its economy, the kingdom has to adopt ground-breaking economic policy interventions that are focused on directing the opportunities presented by globalization to its citizens (McDonald, n.d.). Globalization thus presents different threats and opportunities to Gross National Happiness (Thinley, 2001). Indeed, Bhutan is renowned as the only country within the Indian subcontinent that was not colonized or ruled by foreign powers, not until in the middle of the 20th century. Following the comprehensive changes in the neighboring India and Nepal in 1940s, Bhutan faced massive pressures to globalize from the global forces across its borders and by 1960s, it was already giving in to the pressures (Schell, 2002). After the Kingdom the principles of National Gross Happiness begin to take effect, the kingdom adopted some attributes of globalization, while still resisting a number of modernizing processes with an aggressive attempt to resume their traditions to counteract some of the pressures. Globalization has since then presented some opportunities and threat to the Gross National Happiness (Priesner, 2008). Opportunities and Threats Diplomatic Ties Globalization has presented Bhutan with an opportunity to maintain close diplomatic ties with different countries across the world and regional integrations such as the European Union (EU). The kingdom is also a member of regional and international organizations such as the UN, IMF, IBRD and Asian Development Bank. The diplomatic ties have presented the country with an opportunity to integrate such policies that are for the benefit of the citizens such as human rights, environmental protection and animal protection (European Union, 2007). Trade and Commerce Globalization’s major attributes such as foreign direct investment (FDI) and free trade has the potential to present opportunities such as stimulating economic growth and development, which is consistent with the ideals of the National Gross Happiness (Ibrahim, n.d.). Globalization has also enabled Bhutan to share free trade agreements with other nations. Given its landlocked nature, Bhutan has been a passive participant in world trade and relies on the neighboring Indian exports (Thinley, 2001). Currently, India is the kingdom’s largest trade partner taking up nearly 90% if its exports, which include spices, timber, electricity and fruit. On the other hand, some 75% of Bhutan’s imports are from India, and majorly consist of machinery and petroleum products. Further, globalization has made Bhutan to consider trade liberalization. To a variable extent however, FDI and free trade are major sources of environmental threats, as typically, the growth is natural-resource-intensive and will often lead to environmental degradation due to industrial pollution (Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2002). Businesses operating in the country have been cited as having exerted a lot of pressure on the environment while claiming to be bent on sustaining competitiveness in the global market (Schell, 2002). Social Trends Globalization has presented social changes that have presented various opportunities and challenges to the Gross National Happiness. With globalization, pop music, trendy fashions and pop culture have infiltrated into Bhutan. In addition, drugs and violence and even diseases such as HIV-AIDS have become significant issues in the country. The traditional Bhutanese way of dressing has slowly been disregarded in preference to the western dressing styles. Concerns have thus been expressed over the trend by the Bhutanese to neglect their Buddhist faith and they take to concentrate on computer games (Ibrahim, n.d.). In this way, it has become difficult for the Bhutanese to maintain their happiness, a core object of the National Gross Happiness. Aware of the pitfalls of the modern cultures that come with globalization, the fear of losing traditional Bhutanese cultures prompted the government to set up “Bhutanese culture,” which involved the adoption of traditions of Drukpa people who constitute about 75 % of the country’s population. Social Isolation Today, the Bhutanese society is confronted with major challenges. Globalization has exposed the society to the foreign cultures making creating potentially precarious problems of isolation some people and imposing a false sense of identity that many Bhutanese people feel do not represent the ideals of truly Gross National Happiness (Ibrahim, n.d.). At this juncture, the citizen’s reactions, particularly the older generation, have been handled sensitively. Of particular interest is the Lhotshapma community, which has been greatly influenced by the Nepali cultures, which is unique from that of the Drukpa community, which has also been greatly influenced by the Tibetan cultures. The Lhotshampa have been consistently vocal about being marginalized and that foreign cultures and traditions have been forced into them (Thinley, 2001). Food The impact of globalization has promoted the ideals of National Gross Happiness by introducing new diets. For instance, western foods are gradually becoming the staples in most Bhutanese urban homes (Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2002). However, even as this presents an opportunity for the National Gross Happiness as more of the Bhutanese are able to consumer a variety of foods thus promoting their health, it also presents a threat to the principles of the philosophy as the Bhutanese people get to raise their material aspirations (European Union, 2007). This has the effect of presenting a strong basis for a consumerist society. Indeed, promotion of health and general well-being is one of the nine pillars of Gross National Happiness. It can be argued that to this extent, globalization has provided some significant benefits to the Bhutanese society. Migrations Globalization has presented a challenge to the Bhutanese societies, specifically in terms of rural urban migration, which has manifested itself into the ultimate disintegration of families and the larger community. Indeed, a major threat to the National Gross Happiness is that the family unity and support structure may in due course fade away. Indeed the Bhutanese are fast getting deprived of the social safety network that was originally guaranteed by the extended family (Ibrahim, n.d.). Furthermore, there is the threat that more of the Bhutanese citizens will become disconnected as shown by the increase in the rate of suicide rates and drug abuse, even as the numbers are still negligible presently (Priesner, 2008). Environment Indeed this globalization has been a major threat to Bhutan’s global reputation. As a model nation, Bhutan has for a long time been regarded by the international community for its ideal environmental management policies, such as the enactment of minimum standards, in line with the National Gross Happiness (Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2002). Different studies have indicated that Bhutan would often maintain an average of 68 percent forest cover. Globalization has led to establishment of industries and multinational corporations into the country, which has been a major contributor to the environmental degradation (Priesner, 2008). This has tended to low the reputation of the country as a “green nation.” Governance Good governance was one of the major motivations that inspired the institution of Gross National Happiness. Originally, the philosophy was intended to shape the makeup upon which the nation would generate and optimize happiness of the citizens. Among the opportunities presented by globalization is the news ways of state governance initially uncommon or non-existent in the country. For instance, decentralization governance process is a manifestation of globalization. The concept of governance was initiated in the country in 1981, thus signaling empowerment of the Bhutanese (McDonald, n.d.). In 1998, the devolution of the executive powers from the king to the ministers signaled a major milestone in the country’s decentralization process (Pankaj and Dorji, n.d.). Corruption Globalization has however presented threats to the national philosophy of Gross National Happiness, as it has led to the prevalence of corruption in the country. Indeed as subtle effect globalization, several concerns have been raised over corruption in Bhutan. The vice has heralded the deterioration of nation’s religious and moral values. To some social theorists, signs of greed sneaked into the country by the winds of globalization have become a prevalent and often relegate the originally revered strong cultures and values of the Bhutanese, including ley jumday and thadamtse. The tradition Bhutanese culture, which the Gross National Happiness strives to maintain, has often focused on spirituality and encouraging the principles of simplicity and discipline. This explains why such emphasis has been placed by the government on sustaining the Bhutanese culture. With respect to the national philosophy, the country can only grow economically when the individuals in the society grow spiritually, so that greater importance would be placed on ensuring happiness and well-being instead of the country’s GDP (Alkire and Foster, 2011). Security Dimension Globalization has been blamed for its effects in causing insecurity the world over, some theorists suggest that when the cold war ended in 1992, then an era of peace and stability was hoped to have set off, however, this was never realized as the world has continued to remain unstable and apart. The effects have been noted to have spilled over to Bhutan, which was once renowned for its peace and stability. From the security dimension, it can be argued that globalization has failed National Gross Happiness. In fact, the civil wars and strife have caused tens of thousands of refugees to find their way to Bhutan, which has lately been a crisis as it has put pressure on the Bhutanese lands. In this way, the Bhutanese have been confronted by threats of losing their unique lifestyle and grasp of their religions and kingdom. At the sane juncture, the kingdom has always been faced by possible spillover effects of the uprisings in India and Nepal. Science and Technology With regard to the science and technology dimension, there exists a general consensus that globalization has presented a range of opportunities for the development of Bhutan’s research and development programs and the flow of information. In fact, this has also presented a challenge to the full manifestation of the Gross National Happiness. When television was introduced in the country in 1999 and the Internet soon afterwards, it marked the start of a significant societal transformation in the country. However, there were concerns on the forms of transformation and too much television viewing and Internet use led to addictions that resulted to significant waste of time and social disintegrations. For instance, initially, the Bhutanese families were given to bonding over evening meals. Further, the internet has become a major distraction where many of the Bhutanese have been criticized for spending significant amounts of hours surfing the net, playing internet games of chatting. The media industry has grown dramatically with now over 46 channels that expose the citizens to programs from across the globe. From these perspectives, it can be argued that internet and television have broken down verbal interactions between individuals in a family, thus disconnecting and weakening ties (Priesner, 2008). Even as there are many implications brought by technology, the increasing number of time spend watching TV or on the internet has caused individual to stop taking part in cultural activities that involve oral interactions. It must be noted keenly that the Bhutanese have always believed in oral traditions. Indeed, oral traditions are part and parcel of their cultures and have been instrumental in carrying the Bhutanese cultures for centuries. Tourism and Fashion In the recent years, tourism has gained acceleration in Bhutan promising a sustainable source of revenue to the government. This has indeed presented an opportunity for the country to realize a stable economy. While this can be said to have been beneficial to the national coffers, it has to a significant extent cost introduced unwelcome fashions that have appeared to counteract the ideas of the Gross National Happiness. Sociological studies have suggested that there is an inherent link between, culture, fashion and social identity. In the case of Bhutan, the same case has applied with regard to the influences of globalization to National Gross Happiness (Pankaj and Dorji, n.d.). In Bhutan, fashion has manifested itself in terms of clothing, film and music. From this perspective, fashion can be said to be having it own basis of culture and social structure. With globalization, certain fashions have found their ways into Bhutan that have forced the government to recognize the important connection between cultural identity and fashion. Certain western cultures and fashions have been a threat to Gross National Happiness. For instance, this can be a possible explanation why the Bhutan government has banned smoking and enforced a regulation demanding that the citizens dress in traditional dresses, in compliance with the ideals of the Gross National Happiness. However, contraband cigarettes are still finding their way into the country due to globalization. Studies have also indicated that alcohol abuse is on a steady rise, while Alcohol Dependency Syndrome has also become major cause of mental disorders in Bhutan, currently accounting for over a third of the mental illnesses in the country (Chua, 2008). According to Basis Health Units (BHU), alcohol is rated as the sixth major contributor to deaths in the country. This is even as one of the five Gross National Happiness’ nine domains if psychological health. In return, these mental disorders have a spiraling effect on the socio-economic development of the country. For instance, the patients will not be able to play their roles in the labor market. Materialism and Violence Globalization has been a drive for change in the norms and behaviors of the individuals within the Bhutanese society. With this regard, it can be noted that norms that have been greatly associated with the Western cultures, such as violence and materialism has found their way into the country, thus posing as a threat to Gross National Happiness. The rationale of Gross National Happiness was from the outset focused on promoting economic development, while at the same time striving to preserve the Bhutanese cultures. Indeed, the major purpose behind the institution of the Gross National Happiness was to guard the society against influences that would cause it to disintegrated by becoming entrapped in consumerism, to hedge off any social or economic breakup arising from disregarding socioeconomic elements of development and lastly, directing the nation towards realistic growth despite the possible effects of globalization. Actually, materialism has further been named as a possible reason for the increased rates of robbery and violence in the country, burglary and other criminal activities committed by the youth in the society (Chua, 2008). Conclusion In conclusion, the present generation of the youth in the country has been cited as facing changes that have been unique in the history of the nation. Increased social modernization and liberalization brought about by globalization have in fact contributed to the new conflicts of interest within the society (Chua, 2008). It is important that the balance between the threats and opportunities that globalization presents to the ideology of Gross National Happiness be made, before the situation gets out of control. This essay examines the threats and opportunities globalization has on the ideology, with respect to various themes including culture, technology, discrimination and gender equality. References Alkire, S and J.E. Foster. (2011). “Counting and Multidimensional Poverty”. Journal of Public Economics. 95(7-8) Centre for Bhutan Studies. (2002). Globalisation: The Argument of Our Time. 1st ed. Thimphu, Bhutan: Centre for Bhutan Studies. (Online). Retrieved: {http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/globalisation.pdf} Accessed 16 May 2013 Chua, M. (2008). The Pursuit of Happiness: Issues facing Bhutanese youths and the challenges posed to Gross National Happiness. ISAS. (Online) Retrieved from: [http://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/Attachments/ResearchAttachment/Report%20-%20Melissa%20%2813%20Aug%2008%29.pdf] Accessed 17 May 2013 European Union. (2007). Bhutan: Strategy Paper 2007-12013. (Online) Retrieved from: [http://eeas.europa.eu/bhutan/csp/07_13_en.pdf] Accessed 16 May 2013 Ibrahim, M. (n.d.) The Effect of Globalisation of Underdeveloped Economies. (Oline) Retrieved from: [http://www.econ.cam.ac.uk/cjeconf/delegates/ibrahim.pdf] Accessed 16 May 2013 McDonald, R. (n.d.) “Towards a New Conceptualization of Gross National Happiness and it Foundations.” Journal of Bhutan Studies, 23-40. Retrieved: [http://www.dspace.cam.ac.uk/bitstream/1810/227040/2/JBS_12_02.pdf} Accessed 16 May 2013 Pankaj, P. & Dorji, T. (n.d.) Measuring Individual Happiness in Relation to Gross National Happines in Bhutan: Some Preliminary Results from Survey Data. (Online) retrieved from: [http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/Gnh&dev-17.pdf] Accessed 16May 2013 Priesner, S. (2008). Gross National Happiness–Bhutan’s Vision of Development and its Challenges. (Online) Retrieved from: [http://www.bhutan2008.bt/ndlb/typescripts/10/GNH_Ch3_Priesner.pdf] Accessed 16 May 2013 Schell, O. (May 2002). Gross National Happiness. Frontline World. (Web) Retrieved from: [http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bhutan/gnh.html] Accessed 16 May 2013 Thinley, J. (24 Oct 2001). Globalisation - the view from Bhutan. (Online) Retrieved from [http://www.opendemocracy.net/globalization-vision_reflections/article_280.jsp] Accessed 16 May 2013 Read More

This development concept provides that development policies should be focused on satisfaction of those needs. With increased pressures to liberalize its economy, the kingdom has to adopt ground-breaking economic policy interventions that are focused on directing the opportunities presented by globalization to its citizens (McDonald, n.d.). Globalization thus presents different threats and opportunities to Gross National Happiness (Thinley, 2001). Indeed, Bhutan is renowned as the only country within the Indian subcontinent that was not colonized or ruled by foreign powers, not until in the middle of the 20th century.

Following the comprehensive changes in the neighboring India and Nepal in 1940s, Bhutan faced massive pressures to globalize from the global forces across its borders and by 1960s, it was already giving in to the pressures (Schell, 2002). After the Kingdom the principles of National Gross Happiness begin to take effect, the kingdom adopted some attributes of globalization, while still resisting a number of modernizing processes with an aggressive attempt to resume their traditions to counteract some of the pressures.

Globalization has since then presented some opportunities and threat to the Gross National Happiness (Priesner, 2008). Opportunities and Threats Diplomatic Ties Globalization has presented Bhutan with an opportunity to maintain close diplomatic ties with different countries across the world and regional integrations such as the European Union (EU). The kingdom is also a member of regional and international organizations such as the UN, IMF, IBRD and Asian Development Bank. The diplomatic ties have presented the country with an opportunity to integrate such policies that are for the benefit of the citizens such as human rights, environmental protection and animal protection (European Union, 2007).

Trade and Commerce Globalization’s major attributes such as foreign direct investment (FDI) and free trade has the potential to present opportunities such as stimulating economic growth and development, which is consistent with the ideals of the National Gross Happiness (Ibrahim, n.d.). Globalization has also enabled Bhutan to share free trade agreements with other nations. Given its landlocked nature, Bhutan has been a passive participant in world trade and relies on the neighboring Indian exports (Thinley, 2001).

Currently, India is the kingdom’s largest trade partner taking up nearly 90% if its exports, which include spices, timber, electricity and fruit. On the other hand, some 75% of Bhutan’s imports are from India, and majorly consist of machinery and petroleum products. Further, globalization has made Bhutan to consider trade liberalization. To a variable extent however, FDI and free trade are major sources of environmental threats, as typically, the growth is natural-resource-intensive and will often lead to environmental degradation due to industrial pollution (Centre for Bhutan Studies, 2002).

Businesses operating in the country have been cited as having exerted a lot of pressure on the environment while claiming to be bent on sustaining competitiveness in the global market (Schell, 2002). Social Trends Globalization has presented social changes that have presented various opportunities and challenges to the Gross National Happiness. With globalization, pop music, trendy fashions and pop culture have infiltrated into Bhutan. In addition, drugs and violence and even diseases such as HIV-AIDS have become significant issues in the country.

The traditional Bhutanese way of dressing has slowly been disregarded in preference to the western dressing styles. Concerns have thus been expressed over the trend by the Bhutanese to neglect their Buddhist faith and they take to concentrate on computer games (Ibrahim, n.d.). In this way, it has become difficult for the Bhutanese to maintain their happiness, a core object of the National Gross Happiness. Aware of the pitfalls of the modern cultures that come with globalization, the fear of losing traditional Bhutanese cultures prompted the government to set up “Bhutanese culture,” which involved the adoption of traditions of Drukpa people who constitute about 75 % of the country’s population.

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