Current Quality of Life Indicators:

Abstract

A bstract . Several recent attempts to measure the quality of life directly are examined. The indicators developed for this purpose seem incapable of correctly ranking locations or time periods. Variable aggregation schemes have not summarized data in a way which is useful to policy makers. Failures arise partly because researchers do not agree on the set of variables to be measured. More importantly, the methodology used has been inconsistent with proposed theoretical models and has resulted in indicators which violate accepted laws of economics. For example, neither diminishing returns not substitutability between quality of life “inputs” is recognized. Priority, it is believed, should be given solution of existing problems.