In recent years, it is undeniable that citizens in developed and developing nations have become richer thanks to economic growth. Meanwhile, the life fulfillment of people in developing countries is increasing; the opposite trend can be seen in developed countries. In this essay, I will elucidate some explanations for this notion and indicate lessons that can be learned from it.
The disparity in happiness between developed and developing countries can be attributed to various factors. Regarding the developing ones, which used to lack access to fundamental requirements such as purified water, healthcare services, and food security, they are now able to provide all these necessities for their population. Owing to economic progress, the government can allocate budgets for recreational activities, transportation networks, and education institutions, thereby improving the quality of life for citizens. On the contrary, in developed nations, people have met their basic demands for a long time, so they start to pursue further financial prosperity and social status with less concern for their health or community cohesion. Therefore, they are likely to have sedentary lifestyles and suffer from both physical and mental problems such as obesity, depression, and anxiety.
Several lessons for authority can be inferred from this disparity. Firstly, the government should reevaluate other priorities beyond material wealth, focusing on ensuring work-life balance and social connections for residents to enhance overall happiness. For example, stricter regulations on working hours should be implemented to avoid working overtime and enable employees to have time for family, friends, and engage in recreational activities. Moreover, emphasizing sustainable development by focusing on both economic growth and environmental protection plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term well-being of current and future generations. This is because natural degradation not only has negative effects on the health of citizens but also alleviates economic development.
In conclusion, the difference in life satisfaction between developing and developed nations is linked to the disparity in meeting basic demands or prioritizing material wealth. Additionally, what we can learn from these notions is that the government should aim to promote overall quality of life and environmental conservation in addition to economic growth.