By Dr. Freddie Rabelas Obligacion
Is there evidence showing the coexistence of poverty and optimism, two seemingly incompatible precepts? Yes, there is and definitively so, according to findings of my study of blighted Estero de Aviles and Estero de Uli-uli communities along the Pasig River.
Notwithstanding a dismally low economic well-being index score of 25% (100% corresponds to excellent economic well-being), Aviles and Uli-uli respondents manifested solid optimism, as evidenced by their high average optimism index score of 82% (a score of 100% implies perfect optimism). Such distinctly palpable optimism was significantly reinforced and enhanced by good health of family members (83% relative to 100% denoting excellent health), a low-pollution environment (84% relative to 100% indicating the least pollution), and moderate level of violence in the community (69% relative to 100% suggesting least violence).
Parenthetically, the economic well-being index is an original aggregate measure formulated by the writer to capture self-reported levels of household income, household savings, community sources of livelihood, transportation costs, and recreational expenses. On the other hand, the writer’s optimism index is a comprehensive parameter eliciting self-reported degrees of improvement in life satisfaction and quality of life, harmonious relationship with family members, cordiality with neighbors, the surroundings’ aesthetic appeal, environmental integrity, and the quality of landscaping in the community.
At a 95% confidence level and a margin of error 6 points, my study demonstrated that poverty’s daily assault on body, mind, and spirit need not impede the formation of a hopeful and positive outlook in life. What could explain this intriguing paradox? Insights about the world’s happiest countries provide tantalizing clues.
Recent Gallup surveys of countries’ well-being reveal that although some countries may have negative experiences, the impact of such experiences do not overshadow positive experiences. This generalization is supported by implications from Wall Street’s list of the world’s happiest nations which includes Costa Rica. Not a particularly wealthy country, Costa Rica boasts of a high life expectancy of 79.3, an army-free society, picturesque tourist destinations, and a strong philosophy of “la pura vida” or “life is good”.
Another noteworthy case is that of Vietnam, which Wall Street named as Asia’s happiest country. Contributing to this distinction are resilience, the Vietnamese’s genuine appreciation of what they have, quiet beaches, booming and vibrant cities.
Fair in its selection, the Wall Street honor roll includes rich countries such as Norway holds the distinction of having the highest per capita GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of USD 53,000; Denmark, and Canada among others. It is, however, critical to consider that even in these top-tier countries, economic well-being is not the only determinant of life satisfaction. For instance, the Danes embody the philosophy of “hygge”, a complex mix of intimacy, community, and contentment generally felt within the context of family and friends.
Along with Denmark, the world’s happiest societies not only pride themselves in high average incomes. These societies also show a robust combination of high life expectancy, strong social support systems, generosity, the freedom to make life choices, and negligible corruption.
Let it not be said, however, that material prosperity is unimportant because we indubitably need to satisfy, with dignity, our basic needs of nourishment, decent housing, health maintenance, education, and security. Let it be borne in mind, instead, that as Estero de Aviles and Uli-uli residents so eloquently communicated, a healthy, positive, and constructive outlook in life transcends material considerations and encompasses the realm of the spiritual, the ideational, and the intangibles of human existence which, ultimately, are far more deeply satisfying and permanent.
Freddie R. Obligacion (frajah2@gmail.com) is an alumnus of The Ohio State University-Columbus (MA, PhD sociology) and the University of the Philippines-Diliman (MBA Honors and BS Psych., magna cum laude). He is currently studying leadership preferences and the community impact of grassroots entrepreneurship.