One Big Happy Family? Gross National Happiness and the Concept of Family in Bhutan

In: Gross National Happiness and Development - Proceedings of the First International Conference on Operationalization of Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2004, pp. 660-679 . ISBN 99936-14-22-X

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Abstract

In this paper, the author focuses attention on the Bhutanese family and propose that, as an institution, it forms the bedrock for GNH in Bhutan. She shows how the attitudes about family are a primary source for happiness and are interwoven in the four platforms of GNH for of Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley: namely equitable economic development, environmental preservation, cultural promotion and good governance. The author explores the concept of Gross National Happiness and what part the Bhutanese notion of the family plays in fostering happiness and well being in our country. She thinks the notion of family plays an enormous, pivotal role.