The Importance Of Happiness In Western Culture

Eastern culture has become more and more celebrated in western culture in recent years. It is now considered almost fashionable, in many places, to participate in activities such as meditation and other mindful rituals. It was not until the mid 20th century that the popularity of meditation began to increase. It was around the 1960’s that scientists began to conduct studies on the effects of the activity, during which time the Beatles also became interested in the activity, bringing increased publicity. More and more celebrities began to participate, hence why it is considered to be a ‘fashionable, chic trend’ by popular media. This influx in attention on mindfulness (more so on the scientific, research-based side of the topic) is in part …show more content…
Much of the research on happiness was predominantly focused on happiness within a western context. This meant that information gathered was interesting but insufficient as it only allowed one perspective to be discussed, so no universal statements or comparisons could be made, ‘there is increasing dissatisfaction in academic circles with dominant western paradigms which neglect other cultures and call for culturally inclusive approaches. ' (Gareth Davey and Helaine Selin, 2012) There is now more focus on happiness in eastern cultures as well as western as we can learn a lot more by examining how happiness differs from culture to culture, finding out just how universal it is. An important aspect of this shift in focus is the fact there are many troubles that face certain eastern cultures and so there is a need to improve quality of life. Research regarding well-being and contentment in these areas has the ability to impact on efforts to do so. Inadequate cross-cultural perspectives have negatively impacted happiness research throughout the 20th century but anthropology is moving forward as more emphasis is being put on cross-cultural perspectives, it is understood that this will deepen levels of understanding regarding the vague …show more content…
Research on happiness is becoming more informative as cross-cultural barriers are being addressed and so information regarding mindfulness and mental repair should continue to grow in turn. Just as much more can be learned about the pursuit of happiness, and the topic as a whole, when including other social sciences and incorporating other, nonwestern cultures, the same goes for mindfulness and mental repair. From the various forms of meditations available to practice in every day life to the pursuit of the ‘being mode’ of non-judgement and acceptance as opposed to a ‘doing mode’ of critical thinking and striving (typically western, goal oriented, linking in with personal achievement), there are many eastern traditions such as these, that self help movements can take useful information from. Viewing common themes in life from different perspectives has proven to be beneficial as it provides a new outlook and more, equally relevant