** Ivorian happiness: an exploration beyond appearances **
As part of Oxford’s latest report on world happiness, Côte d’Ivoire has distinguished itself by a favorable positioning in West Africa, thanks to its classification in terms of generosity and perception of corruption. At first glance, these indicators seem to be enough to explain the well-being of its inhabitants. However, a deeper exploration of social and cultural dynamics at stake reveals a rich and complex backdrop where happiness is a multidimensional concept.
** Community values at the heart of happiness **
Behind the statistics hides a tangible experience. In the streets of Blockhaus in Abidjan, the Ivorians express that their happiness follows not only from an economic evaluation, but from a feeling of belonging. The life stories of traders on the market and residents of the neighborhood highlight this notion of community which transcends individual aspects. According to an investigator, solidarity and mutual aid occupy a preponderant place. “It goes beyond simple conviviality; Feeling useful in your immediate environment becomes a satisfaction engine. »»
If large surveys quantify generosity, it would be interesting to express this phenomenon qualitatively. For example, the idea that the exchange of goods, or even “neighbors who take things”, does not simply refer to a material act, but to a real social cement. This leads us to question the very notion of success. For many, being happy seems less linked to the accumulation of wealth than to the ability to create and nourish authentic human ties.
** The role of religion in collective happiness **
The intersection between religious faith and happiness raises fascinating points. In Côte d’Ivoire, where religious diversity is marked – with a coexistence of Christian and Muslim practices – spirituality is often positioned as an anchoring. For a passerby quoted in the report, faith constitutes “the first source of happiness”. In this regard, sociological studies show that religious practice is often associated with a level of higher life satisfaction. This link reminds me of the work of the Russian economist Sergei Guriev, who suggests that spirituality strengthens the feeling of community, thus promoting an environment conducive to cooperation.
** Sport and cultural expression: unit vectors **
Let us also be interested in an often neglected aspect in analyzes of happiness: sport. Football, for example, transcends social classes in Abidjan. When a victory of the national team sounds, it is a collective joy that is celebrated. Moments of festive and celebration become festive rituals that strengthen exchanges and interactions. According to an annual study by the African Football Confederation, countries where sport is deeply rooted in culture also record higher levels of happiness in their inhabitants.
** A conference on well-being: new perspectives **
With this in mind, the international conference provided by the Center for Research for the Development of the University of Bouaké will be an opportunity to sweep the traditional approach to happiness to explore innovative concepts. It would be appropriate to include discussions on alternative criteria of well-being, such as personal development or community commitment, in parallel with the usual economic clues. The definition of happiness, which has become fluid, could thus include intergenerational and intercultural dimensions.
** Conclusion: towards an index of truly inclusive happiness **
As a conclusion, the situation in Côte d’Ivoire invites us to rethink our conception of happiness. Rather than reducing it to a simple sum of clues, it appears as a mosaic where each ingredient – be it solidarity, spiritual or cultural commitment – plays a preponderant role. It is important to look at these interactions, thus enriching our understanding of collective well-being. By investing in research and reflections on these concepts, Côte d’Ivoire could well become a model to follow for other nations.
Like Fatshimetrics, let us commit to exploring the multiple facets of happiness, to discuss it beyond borders and to promote systems of values that promote inclusive and lasting fulfillment, the heart of true human motivation.