Question

scan qr code to watch video
video worksheet ch.1.1
what is economics?
lesson 1 scarcity and the science of economics
republic of happiness
directions: review the questions below and think about these questions as you watch the video. take notes that answer these questions as the video plays.

1. categorizing what are the four major elements that the bhutanese include in their central concept of gross national happiness (gnh)? what others might you add? what might you want eliminated from their list?
2. drawing inferences what elements of western economies do the bhutanese embrace? what elements does the video tell you they reject? what other elements of the western way of life and economics also might be rejected based on the foundational elements of bhutanese gnh?
3. evaluating how might the bhutanese attitude toward nature affect its economic growth? do you agree or disagree with the bhutanese argument that nature must be respected and people should live in harmony with it and not destroy it, even for economic gain?

Explanation:

1. Categorizing Question

The four major elements of Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan are often considered to be Good Governance, Sustainable Socio - Economic Development, Cultural Preservation, and Environmental Conservation.

• For additions, one might consider elements like mental health support (as happiness also involves psychological well - being) or access to quality education for all age groups (beyond the basic education system).
• For elimination, elements that promote excessive consumerism (like aggressive advertising that creates artificial needs) or activities that cause long - term environmental degradation (like unsustainable mining with no regard for nature) could be removed.

• Embraced elements of Western economies: The Bhutanese may embrace elements like modern infrastructure development (e.g., building roads, communication networks) and some aspects of market - based trade (to sell their local products like handicrafts and agricultural goods).
• Rejected elements (from video): Often, they reject excessive materialism and consumer - driven economic models that prioritize GDP growth over well - being.
• Other possible rejections (based on GNH): They might also reject Western work cultures that promote long working hours at the cost of family and community time (since GNH values social and cultural aspects), and industries with high carbon footprints (as environmental conservation is a GNH pillar).

• Effect on economic growth: The Bhutanese attitude toward nature (respect and harmony) can limit short - term economic growth in industries like logging, mining (if done unsustainably). But it can promote long - term growth in eco - tourism, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy (like hydropower in a sustainable way).
• Agree/Disagree: Agreeing with the Bhutanese argument is reasonable because nature provides essential resources (like clean water, air, and biodiversity) that are the foundation of long - term economic and human well - being. Destroying nature for short - term economic gain can lead to environmental disasters (like floods, soil erosion) that ultimately harm the economy more.

Answer:

Four major elements of Bhutanese GNH: Good Governance, Sustainable Socio - Economic Development, Cultural Preservation, Environmental Conservation. Possible addition: Mental health support. Possible elimination: Excessive consumer - promoting activities.

2. Drawing Inferences Question