Are people in developed countries happier than the people in developing countries?

Answer 1

I think some of both can be happy people, and each can be happier than those in the opposite camps.

I think that sometimes "developed" countries tend to grow discontent as they have greater access to media forms, where they can view the very different lifestyles around them. When people are consistantly shown lives with a great deal more than they have themselves, discontent can grow. In fact, crime often grows out of this discontent, as people who become so envious of others see little reason why they should go without while others seem to have much more. They begin to grow a sense of entitlement which enables them to simply take, by whatever means they have, what they think should be theirs.

Those in countries which are still developing, (though, I honestly think ALL countries are 'developing" as nothing is ever 'arrived" at, growth continues all around us, or it becomes stagnent) can have a sense of wonderment on how much better, or improved life is as their society grows. As they acheive more stable job and career markets, have more electronics, and equipment which eases the daily work load and increases productivity, as well as have access to entertainment options which were once out of reach, or even inconceivable, I can easily see how happiness can be a high factor.

However, there is still a great deal of troubles in 'developing countries, where life can be very difficult. However, I have found that the most happy people are those who face strife and struggles on a regualer basis. When a good incident occurs, it is viewed much more favorable, and enjoyed more, than for those who never or seldom exeriance troubles.

When we learn to appreciate that which we have, and don't envy or yearn for that which we don't have, and add to that an ability to truly appreciate our loved ones, and the daily joys which come our way, we all can find the capacity to be happy.

It is when we are faced with the inability to appreciate what is good in our lives, when we can't list a number of good things, and dwell on the negative aspects of life that we become most unhappy.

I think alll people face this delemma, regardless of how well off they are with modern applications and ease of life, or if they are very poor and live paycheck to paycheck, if indeed they even have a paycheck.

I know of a program which helps families attain a femail goat. This goat is milked, and the milk is sold. The family can then either spend that money unwisely, and stay with simply the milk they sell on a daily basis. or they can manage that money, live below their means, make sacrifices, and put aside a bit of the milk money each day until they have enough to buy another goat, perhaps a male one which can mate with their female. Or, they can buy another female, have double the milk to sell, save more money, then buy a male, and grow their own herd of goats, and become prosperous in their village.

It is up to each family to decide how to conduct their daily lives, and learn to manage what they have, be gratefull for it,and appreciate life. Happiness comes to those who have the best attitudes,and manages to find ways and methods of personal and finanical growth.

So, I don't believe developed countries have any more ability to provide happiness to citizens than still developing countries. I agree it is a choice, an attitude, how you view the world and your experiance in it.

There are many factors which come into play, including grief and loss. Everybody in this world experiances lifes mishaps, and it is up to each of us how we choose to deal with them as they occur.

So, bottom line, no, I don't think those in developed countries are happier than those in developing countries. I do think that the more you have, the harder it is to appreciate what you have.

Answer 2

Developed countries are countries like America, The UK and most countries in western Europe also Japan. Developing Countries are countries like India and China who are developing their economies and technologies.

Answer 3

People in developed countries have the means to be happier if they know how to use them.

Answer 4

I doubt this, but I don't know. I honestly believe that happiness is what one makes it to be. Growing up we were very poor and we didn't really realize it and we were happy as children. Honestly we didn't have a clue how very poor we were and everyone around us was the same way. Everyone farmed and worked and were a happy community.

Answer 5

Happiness depends on one person's upbringing, understanding and education.