This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the compelling question, Is globalized culture in Bhutan a good thing? The inquiry is shaped by three supporting questions, beginning with a question focused on what the Bhutanese people believe about the preservation of traditional culture. The second supporting question aims to tease out whether the differences between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Happiness (GNH) differ significantly. While GDP measures economic activity, GNH assesses the holistic well-being of citizens, incorporating social, environmental, and cultural dimensions. The inquiry concludes with a supporting question on the challenges and opportunities of cultural change in Bhutan including navigating modernization while maintaining traditional values, addressing the impacts of globalization, and leveraging cultural heritage for sustainable development. These factors play crucial roles in Bhutan’s unique approach to development and cultural preservation.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Is globalized culture in Bhutan a good thing?
Staging Question
Review and discuss visual images of various representations of Bhutanese culture and sort the images as being traditional and modern categories.
What do Bhutanese people believe about the preservation of traditional culture?
Formative TasksMake a list of what the Bhutanese people believe about the preservation of traditional Bhutanese culture.
SourcesSource A: Bhutan's Constitution of 2008, Article 4
How is Gross Domestic Product similar to and different from Gross National Happiness as a measure of development?
Formative TasksCreate a Venn diagram comparing Gross Domestic Product and Gross National Happiness.
SourcesSource A: Gross Domestic Product: An Economy’s All, the International Monetary Fund website
Source B: Bhutan’s GDP from the World Bank
Source C: Bhutan: The World’s Happiest Country
What are the challenges and opportunities of culture change in Bhutan?
Formative TasksCreate a T-chart of challenges and opportunities for cultural change in Bhutan.
SourcesSource A: Buddhism, Bhutan and Me, PBS Film
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Contentment or consumption: Is globalized culture in Bhutan a good thing? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that responds to the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Students conduct interviews to identify examples of culture change due to globalization in their own culture(s).
Taking Informed Action
Understand: Research the 33 indicators of Gross National Happiness.
Assess: Evaluate the appropriateness of Gross National Happiness Indicators for use in the United States.
Act: Create a PSA advocating for the inclusion of a Gross National Happiness Indicator in U.S. domestic/economic policy.