Six months ago the New York Times posted a sociology article on the happiest country in the world. According to the columnist, Nicholas Kristof, Costa Rica is "arguably the happiest nation on earth" (to read the whole article click here: The Happiest People).
Kristof and his daughter traveled to Costa Rica to experience more than sloths and gorgeous coast lines. They were there to understand what makes the people of this South American country so exceptionally happy. Even though it can't be measured by an exact science, three systems have been established to estimate happiness in countries.
The first is by the World Database of Happiness which was created by a Dutch sociologist. This database determines levels of happiness through surveys that are collected from 148 countries. On average, the citizens of Costa Rica have rated their happiness at an 8.5 out of 10 points. The United States has an average of 7.4.
Another system involves "happy life years", which averages these rates and life expectancy. Costa Rica remained in the top while the United States came in 19th.
In the final system, established by the New Economics Foundation, happiness and life expectancy are matched with environmental impacts (i.e: the amount of carbon countries put off). Once again, Costa Rica managed to have high happiness levels and long life expectancy while being respectful to the environment. Our country ranked in at 114th, which could be due to our massive ecological footprint.
Costa Rica could be the happiest nation for several reasons. The people of Costa Rica strongly protect their environment. Kristof's daughter was fascinated by the beaches, national parks, and wildlife. But many believe the biggest factor behind their exceedingly high amounts of happiness is their choice to abolish their armed forces.
After discontinuing their armed forces, Costa Rica invested the money in education. Increased importance on learning made their country more stable while bringing in many other benefits. Since then their economy has improved, there had been more gender equality (topping the United States in the gender gap index, created by the World Economic Forum), refined their health care, and promoted longer lives. In addition, their environmental preservation has allowed for more economic benefits. Costa Rica's culture values social life over financial stresses. This and their love for family and friends has greatly impacted their happiness.
Quickly applying this to my family, I know my parents are both devoted to working and taking care of our family. My dad comes home stressed and unhappy from work every day and my mom worries about getting everything done around the house. We still manage to spend time with each other, but I think my parents forget that life doesn't need to be so work-oriented and it should be enjoyed a bit more.
The United States is considered a self-serving country, where everything involves around one individual. Their success and their failures only revolve around themselves. Outside of our country, other nations believe in working and succeeding together. They also strongly value family, community, and culture; where as the United States puts financial values on top.
There is a huge stress on work, money, and independence that we forget what is irreplaceable and important. No matter what happens, your family and friends will always be there. They're the ones who make you laugh, get you to smile, and will be there for you. No amount of money will ever buy you that or happiness.
Our country periodically loses the idea of community, which is something we need to make stronger. We're usually quick to shut people down when we need them the most, but needing help is more than okay. The people around us are the ones we should be able to rely on to pull us through.
I also know armed forces is a controversial issue, and one that I don't know enough about to have an exact opinion. However, maybe we could consider placing more emphasis on education and a little less on violence.
The column states Togo, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe are some of the unhappiest nations. Even though we aren't the least happy country in the world, maybe we should make an effort on becoming a happier nation and a happier planet.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Role Reversal - "The Rise of Wives"
I just finished reading an article from New York Times on women taking up jobs in the work place while more men are staying at home (to read the whole article click here: She Works. They're Happy.).
The author, Tara Parker-Pope, interviews different couples, and includes recent research and statistics about this change. Parker-Pope explains the 15% increase in women making the majority of household income. Many couples never imagined this role reversal, but financial reasons put them there. With men handling more household responsibilities, divorce rates have decreased and there are more happy marriages. In the 1970s, according to to the article, divorces hit an all time high at 23 divorces per 1,000 couples. Today, there are less than 17 divorces per 1,000 couples. These statistics contradict the popular belief of female financial independence increasing chances of divorce. Also, women are choosing better relationships knowing they no longer have to marry for economic or educational reasons. The men they choose are supportive of their independence and equality.
This sociological change has positive and negative impacts on couples. Men aren't used to women having an equal or greater income than them, and feel as if they aren't meeting social expectations. One sociologist also found some men have poorer health if their wives earn more money. At the same time, women are having a harder time letting go of their power and dominant roles at home. Women still do 2/3 of the housework, but men are taking up more household responsibility than ever before. Women are more able to work through problems when they're earning greater income. Equally important, when couples both work and participate in household chores, they are less likely to separate (versus when men are the breadwinners and women stay at home).
Men are no longer the superior spouse, which allows for a balance of power between men and women. Along with that, women are in a better position being with someone who embraces social equality. Since women are less likely to be dependent on men, they are more prepared financially if something were to happen. Finally, stereotypical roles are no longer normal expectations which allows more social mobility and freedom.
I think this article is extremely interesting, especially considering my interest in feminism. It is amazing that attitudes toward this social change are positive and supportive. Seeing women gain independence and strength is an incredible thing, but it's great to know their new roles benefit and have a great impact on their relationships.
This role reversal is apparent throughout different generations in my family. My grandmother on my dad's side grew up taking care of her siblings after her mom passed away when she was thirteen. It was expected of her to stay at home and raiser her kids while my grandfather went to work. This could be one of the reasons why my uncle was raised and has more chauvinistic beliefs. However, after I was born, my mom chose to stay at home while my dad continued to work. She has and always had the choice to go back. Once my brother joined Cub Scouts many years ago, my family and I became close to one of the other Scout families. In their household, the father stays at home and raises his boys while his wife continues to work and travel. It is interesting to see the role reversal among people you know and how it has changed over generations.
As long at men don't get their children put on What Not To Wear for picking out their clothes in the morning, this is definitely a remarkable social change.
The author, Tara Parker-Pope, interviews different couples, and includes recent research and statistics about this change. Parker-Pope explains the 15% increase in women making the majority of household income. Many couples never imagined this role reversal, but financial reasons put them there. With men handling more household responsibilities, divorce rates have decreased and there are more happy marriages. In the 1970s, according to to the article, divorces hit an all time high at 23 divorces per 1,000 couples. Today, there are less than 17 divorces per 1,000 couples. These statistics contradict the popular belief of female financial independence increasing chances of divorce. Also, women are choosing better relationships knowing they no longer have to marry for economic or educational reasons. The men they choose are supportive of their independence and equality.
This sociological change has positive and negative impacts on couples. Men aren't used to women having an equal or greater income than them, and feel as if they aren't meeting social expectations. One sociologist also found some men have poorer health if their wives earn more money. At the same time, women are having a harder time letting go of their power and dominant roles at home. Women still do 2/3 of the housework, but men are taking up more household responsibility than ever before. Women are more able to work through problems when they're earning greater income. Equally important, when couples both work and participate in household chores, they are less likely to separate (versus when men are the breadwinners and women stay at home).
Men are no longer the superior spouse, which allows for a balance of power between men and women. Along with that, women are in a better position being with someone who embraces social equality. Since women are less likely to be dependent on men, they are more prepared financially if something were to happen. Finally, stereotypical roles are no longer normal expectations which allows more social mobility and freedom.
I think this article is extremely interesting, especially considering my interest in feminism. It is amazing that attitudes toward this social change are positive and supportive. Seeing women gain independence and strength is an incredible thing, but it's great to know their new roles benefit and have a great impact on their relationships.
This role reversal is apparent throughout different generations in my family. My grandmother on my dad's side grew up taking care of her siblings after her mom passed away when she was thirteen. It was expected of her to stay at home and raiser her kids while my grandfather went to work. This could be one of the reasons why my uncle was raised and has more chauvinistic beliefs. However, after I was born, my mom chose to stay at home while my dad continued to work. She has and always had the choice to go back. Once my brother joined Cub Scouts many years ago, my family and I became close to one of the other Scout families. In their household, the father stays at home and raises his boys while his wife continues to work and travel. It is interesting to see the role reversal among people you know and how it has changed over generations.
As long at men don't get their children put on What Not To Wear for picking out their clothes in the morning, this is definitely a remarkable social change.
Monday, August 23, 2010
About Me
Hi everyone! I'm not really digging writing about myself, but here it goes...
I'm seventeen and a senior in high school. Horseback riding is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. I started riding when I when I was six and have never turned back. Being around horses makes me happy and lets me unwind. If being in love with music is possible, I definitely am. The Fray is my favorite band and I've been addicted since I was in seventh grade. I've been to four of their concerts and am desperately waiting for them start touring again. But I also love finding and listening to a whole bunch of other bands. I also really love coffee. Caribou Coffee's blended vanilla white chocolate mocha is the greatest thing ever created. Camping is another one of my favorite things to do; along with just being outside. I like working out or going for a run too. On top of all of that, I've been babysitting an insane amount lately which stops my debit card account from plummeting because of coffee. My family and friends mean everything to me and they're a huge part of my life.
It's practically impossible to describe yourself in an entire blog so I think I'll stop here, and maybe you'll find out more about me in my writing on sociology.
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