Theoretical and Empirical Examinations of Happiness in Korea

Abstract

This study begins to overview the causes of a “positive turn” that tends to place a greater emphasis upon joy, fun or pleasure rather than deferred gratification. External factors of socio-cultural changes, such as increasing non-work time and increasing disposable income due to the diffusion of high technologies in the world of work, are examined. Internal, intrapersonal factors, the rise of post-materialist values, the shift in life interest from production to consumption and changing conceptions of work-life balance are also considered. Next, models of happiness that encompass the main thrusts of the past research on happiness across areas of philosophy, economics, psychology and sociology are explored. Then, the “component model,” “need satisfaction model,” “additive integration model” and the “multiplicative integrated model” are discussed. Given the discussion, a “cubic model of happiness,” that takes into account the effects of utility, need and value is suggested. Finally, based on the selections of world survey data on happiness, the levels and correlates of happiness are compared and the current state of the happiness in Korean society is explicated in terms of typical mentalities of contemporary Koreans including relationalism, inner-worldliness and returnism. In that process, special attention is paid to the discrepancies between economic indices and social indices, and policy measures that help to promote GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness), or overall life satisfaction of the nation, is proposed.