Barometers of Quality of Life Around the Globe How Are We Doing [Paperback]

Quality of life (QOL) research has made great strides since the social indicator movement started as a scientific enterprise in the 1960s. Following the lead of pioneers in North America and Europe, social scientists in other regions of the world have adopted and refined social data systems or barometers to monitor progress in enhancing the welfare and well-being of citizens. A distinctive feature of these barometers is that they measure both individual and societal quality of life. While not overlooking the more basic needs and material standards of living, the barometers also inform on issues of individual freedoms and choices and constraints on citizen empowerment that enhance and depress quality of life. Designed to capture nuances in local definitions of the good life, regional barometers are unique expressions of the obstacles facing different societies in their quest to achieve the good life. Scholars of public policy as well as policy makers will find inspiration from reviews of innovative initiatives to monitor contemporary quality of life in six regions of the world spanning South America, the Arctic, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

In the past decade, regional social barometers have been designed to monitor and measure quality of life in all corners of the globe. This book presents quality-of-life assessments from six continents, ranging from the Arctic north to Australia.

Social indicators inform citizens and governments alike on progress in society. The past decade has seen the birth of regional social barometers designed to monitor quality of life in all corners of the globe. Social scientists from different societal backgrounds have developed sets of indicators to guide policy in promoting citizen welfare and to monitor progress in achieving social goals. In many cases, this has been a team effort engaging policy makers and citizens. The contributions to this book span quality-of-life assessments on sl“M