Shift in the Measures of Quality of Life viz-a-viz Happiness: A Study of Phongmey Gewog and Trashigang Town in Eastern Bhutan

In: Gross National Happiness: Practice and Measurement: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2008, pp. 525-547 . ISBN 978-99936-14-52-4

Preview

PDF, English Download (150kB) | Terms of use Download (150kB)

Abstract

The measures of Quality of life are very similar to the measures of happiness for the people. The objective of the present study is to find out the variations in the different measures between the year 2000 and 2005. The first survey was conducted in the year 2000/2001 on the residents of Trashigang town and Phongmey gewog and a follow up study was carried out at the same places during 2005/2006. The sample includes farmers, government employees, business owners, priests, and housewives. The study compares the variations on the opinions as to the importance of certain factors (neighourhood, spiritual activities, respecting others, relationship with local authorities, awareness of local laws, TV, newspapers and radio, family planning measures and environment protection) and the satisfaction level as to these factors. The paper discusses the issues involved in quality of life viz-a-viz happiness with the help of available literature as well as the policy documents of the government of Bhutan.