While people in developing countries are happier than in the past, people in developed countries are less happy. Why?
What can be learned from this?
Sample Answer band 8.0+
Despite current progress in economic and social development, citizens in developed nations are reportedly less happy than in the past. In contrast, their counterparts in less developed ones seem to enjoy a rise in happiness. There are various reasons for this phenomenon, from which numerous lessons can be drawn.
The reasons why happiness is surging in impoverished nations can be put down to multiple factors among which the development in the economy should be at the forefront. Admittedly, in recent years, many developing countries have boosted their national economy considerably by dint of the industrial revolution and many technological advances. This has resulted in residents affording better accommodation, enjoying better healthcare, accumulating extra money for recreational purposes such as overseas vacations, and at the same time, their children receiving a higher quality education. These once considered elements of a high living standard are now commonplace, hence an overall rise in the sense of fulfillment with delight. In contrast, due to rapid industrialization, many well-off countries nowadays have to face various environmental problems such as climate change, air, water, soil, and noise pollution, and social issues like increasing crime rates. This explains why residents in wealthy countries are no longer satisfied although they are materially affluent.
Drawing from the contentment of people in emerging nations, we can deduce two valuable lessons regarding happiness. Firstly, financial sufficiency is crucial when it comes to happiness. Without money, many people will have to live in poverty and work excessively hard to earn a living, not to mention taking care of their families. As a consequence, people are generally put under constant pressure, thus cannot live as happily as those who are financially stable. Therefore, governments should support their citizens by providing more job opportunities and granting larger subsidies in hard times such as global pandemics or economic crises to maintain their lives at a basic level. Nonetheless, along with economic development, other aspects of life should also be given close attention to ensure sustainability, such as the environment and societal well-being. Falling that, in the future, developing countries will face the problems which developed nations are dealing with.
All things considered, I believe economic growth is improving life in developing countries, while at the same time affecting developed nations. Therefore, a lesson to be drawn from this issue is that the development of the economy should be emphasized while not ignoring environmental protection and societal improvement.
339 words – Band 8.0+
