Happiness in India

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Citation:

Biswas-Diener, R., Tay, L., & Diener, E. (2012). Happiness in India. In H. Selin & G. Davey (Eds.),Happiness across cultures: Views of happiness and quality of life in non-western cultures, (pp.125-140). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer

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Abstract:

India is an interesting test case for happiness. It is a unique society because of its unusual history, rapid economic growth, large population and its ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity. In this chapter we explore happiness as both an “outside-in” and “inside-out” phenomenon and place this discussion in the Indian context. From the outside-in perspective we review survey data on the life satisfaction of Indians, suggesting that they are mildly satisfied but may become more so as policies are developed to deliver jobs and infrastructure to more people. From the inside-out perspective we examine the many ways in which subtle culture affects individual happiness. Finally, we make recommendations for happiness interventions.

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