The Economics of Happiness - in Myanmar

Abstract

Happiness is "the experience of, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one's life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile" (Lyubomirsky, 2007). It is an emotion which can be fleeting or enduring. The term 'happiness' is used interchangeably with the term 'subjective well-being' (SWB) (Diener et aI, 1999); a sense of happiness is predicated by both our internal natures and our external environments, 50% determined by our genes, 10% by our life circumstance and 40% depends on our daily activities (Lyubomirsky, 2007). People in democratic and affluent countries are more likely to rate high on happiness indicators (World Happiness Report, 2015), because they have a sense of control over their lives, better health and education outcomes and greater material wealth - all key indicators of SWB (Dolan et al, 2008). Not surprisingly, people living in 'weak' or 'fragile' states under corrupt and/or ineffective governments, in conflict zones or experiencing environmental insecurity score lower on happiness scales (World Happiness Report, 2015). Weak states are "states that fail to deliver positive political goods - such as security, health, education, a reliable legal framework and functioning infrastructure - to their people" (Rotberg, 2002). Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) in South-East Asia, is a weak state.