Variations in Social Quality of Life Indicators in Medium Metropolitan Areas*

Abstract

A bstract . The basic objective of this paper is to develop a systematic model by which a series of social indicators can be constructed to reflect variations in the social quality of life (QOL) among the medium metropolitan areas. Statistical data which are logically representative of the indicators were collected for the 83 medium metropolitan areas with populations between 200,000 and 500,000 in 1970. More than 50 variables were evaluated under these critical social components: individual concerns, individual equality and community living conditions. The standardized “Z” score method was employed to compute, based on 1970 data, the index for each of the social QOL indicators. The 83 SMSAs were then rated by the indexes. These indexes will help decision makers to identify their regional weaknesses and strengths in comparison to others so that appropriate action can be taken toward the improvement of social QOL in those areas.