Showing papers in "Social Indicators Research in 1978"

Avowed happiness as an overall assessment of the quality of life

Abstract: The concept of happiness has been mistakenly identified with feelings of pleasure in recent studies of quality of life This paper clarifies the meaning of the concept ‘happiness’ and establishes grounds for its proper use in scholarly research In addition, an empirical test of four major accounts of happiness derived from a careful review of philosophical and empirical literature is undertaken to propose a theory of happiness The theory suggests that happiness is primarily a product of the positive assessments of life situations and favorable comparisons of these life situations with those of others and in the past The various personal characteristics of an individual and the resources in his command, such as sex, age and income, influence happiness mostly through their effects upon the two psychological processess of assessment and comparison

Spiritual well-being: A neglected subject in quality of life research

Abstract: The social indicators and quality of life (QOL) movements have given scant attention to religiosity, in spite of theoretical and empirical evidence that it is related to personal and social well-being Reasons for this include the constitutional provisions pertinent to religion, problems of funding, the lack of measuring instruments, conceptual and theoretical difficulties, biases of researchers, and the lack of consensus regarding the definition of QOL A partial solution to this neglec is to engage in conceptual, theoretical, qualitative, and empirical research on spiritual well-being (SWB) The authors indicate its potential and some initial steps toward bringing SWB into the QOL movement

Cognition and affect in perceptions of well-being

Abstract: The general characteristics and some possible implications of the distinction between cognition and affect in the perception of well-being are reviewed. It is posited that currently-used rating-scale indicators of perceived well-being differ only marginally in the extent to which they are compounds of both factors, and consequently variables that move differently and possibly strongly on the underlying factors will have only muted relationships with the indicators. Two kinds of secondary analyses of data from recent American Surveys are presented which support and amplify this hypothesis, along with some British data. The first kind focusses on the area of non-overlap between happiness and life satisfaction ratings by dichotomising and cross-tabulating the two indicators, and then observing what further variables change diagnostically between appropriate cells of the 2×2 table. Differential trends with age and education, barely discernible in straightforward correlations against the indicators now emerge strongly, along with further interesting differences for other outside variables, notably enjoyment-of-life, affect balance, income and personal competence. The second kind of analysis draws on data sets which include Bradburn's affect balance scales along with a range of global ratings of subjective well-being. The considerable variance in the global ratings which remains after the affect scales are partialled out, and allowance is made for correlated method effects, is attributed to cognition. Starting points are then explored for analysing the role of cognition and affect more exactly by means of path models which include the cognitive factor as an unobserved variable.

Correlates of subjective well-being in Northern Wisconsin

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an attempt to relate socioeconomic status, family status, social participation and personal disruptions of statuses and roles to an index of life satisfaction in rural sectors of Northern Wisconsin. While income, education and occupational status and level of living explain very little of life satisfaction, social participation variables explain somewhat more and disruptions of marital ties, job, physical well-being and residence explain most. Analyses by age and sex show that contacts with friends, relatives and church attendance are more important for the young, employment for the middle-aged and village residence more important for the older persons. The analysis supports the notion that life satisfaction results from the discrepancy between the aspirations and expectations of the individual and his ability to satisfy them within his environment. Education is negatively associated with subjective well-being when other variables are controlled. The influence of social involvement upon life satisfaction suggests the need for a modification of the aspiration-attainment model to include the integrative-expressive as well as the adaptive-instrumental processes of the individual.

Aspirations, achievements and life satisfaction

Abstract: A statistical model is formulated and tested empirically in an effort to evaluate observed differences in satisfaction levels as a function of relative differences in perceived aspirations and achievements of the individual. Data for testing the model were developed from personal interviews with a random sample of 1946 Oregon adults. Scores for two domains, public safety and income security satisfactions, were employed in this paper. Effects of three independent variables — an individual's sex, income level and age — also were tested. The results show that differences in domain satisfaction seem to occur through different processes, depending on the domain and the independent variable employed. The statistical tests reported provide some information on the theoretical formulation but additional measures are required to provide a more rigorous test of the model.

Subjective evaluation of well-being: Problems and prospects

Abstract: This paper discusses some of the substantive and methodological pitfalls that arise in the subjective evaluation of well-being. The discussion includes illustrative references to the empirical findings of the 1977 Edmonton Area Study. Issues discussed include (1) specific, domain, and global measures; (2) objective states and subjective perceptions; (3) micro and macro units of analysis; and (4) the problem of cultural relativism. It is concluded that it is not yet possible to delineate a simple set of social indicators for use by policy-makers and social planners. Accurate assessment of social well-being currently requires the study of demographic and objective states together with cognitive and evaluational responses and also requires assessment not only at the global ‘general satisfaction’ level but also at more specific levels of analysis.

Causes and indicators of housing quality

Abstract: This paper examines the feasibility and validity of one method for combining measures of different dimensions of the quality of a household's housing situation into a summary index value. Housing quality is treated as an unobservable variable for which there are multiple observable causes and indicators. Alternative mathematical models are specified, and their parameters are estimated using data from a sample of low-income renter households in a major U.S. metropolitan area.

‘Valid’ empirical measurement of quality of life?

Abstract: Results of empirical quality of life studies, undertaken hitherto, are subjectively influenced to a considerable extent by the researchers who try to measure the ‘quality of life’. In substantiation of this allegation it is shown on the basis of empirical data that the results are highly influenced, among others, (1) by the selection of indicators, (2) by the aggregation of indicators to one element, (3) by the weighting or non-weighting of the indicators, (4) by the indicator weigths given by different groups, (5) by employing different measurement techniques. Remarkable progress in empirical measurement could be made by the employment of objective indicators which are weighted by different groups (e.g., citizens, experts, decision makers, etc.). This approach can be called a ‘weighted objective indicator’ approach. In the second half of the article the proposal is made to measure infrastructure disparities both in physical and monetary terms. This permits a comprehensive assessment of the infrastructure's deficits and surplus on the level of indicators, subconcerns, and concerns.

The affluence line

Abstract: The concept of the poverty line has lately gained general acceptance in the discussion of distribution and development problems. For a complete clarification of these problems the poverty line is, however, not enough. We need also an affluence line which will determine the level above which consumption need not and should not rise. The main reasons for introducing the concept of the affluence line are: (1) Scarcities which constitute limits to development, (2) Social justice, (3) Societal deterioration which is brought about by affluence. On the other hand the arguments against curbing affluence do not seem to be convincing. There may be several ways in which affluence can be conceived: as subjective and objective, as relative and absolute. Consequently there are various ways of measuring affluence and of determining the affluence line. The methodology of that operation is explained and the policy implications of the affluence line concept are discussed.

The economic nature and value of volunteer activity in Canada

Abstract: Recent concerns with the quality of life have led economists to investigation of activities outside the market and beyond GNP, among them household work, volunteer services, and student time investment. The present study focuses upon volunteer activities, delineating at the outset the boundary between economic and non-economic types of volunteer action. Our main concern is to analyze what economic volunteer services are, and to estimate their dollar value. A scheme is proposed to classify volunteer actions as to their economic and non-economic aspects, isolating those that are economic in nature. This last group, Economic Volunteer Services (EVS) is further classified by type of function (Health, Education, etc.) and the scheme is illustrated by reference to a sample of 322 volunteer agencies. In addition a second scheme of classification is developed for the particular ESV jobs or tasks performed by volunteers, and this scheme is illustrated with a sample of 5334 volunteer requests made to the Metro Toronto Volunteer Centre. The analysis of agency types show that the major users of volunteers are Health and Rehabilitation centres, and Neighbourhood Multi-Service Agencies. Analysis by types of jobs reveals that Supervision and Friendly Visiting are the major ones; adding to this Parole Counselling, Child Care, Clerical Work, and Driving, one accounts for about 60% of all volunteer actions. Fifteen other groups of jobs account for the remaining 40%. The average work assignment in all agencies and jobs is 5.0 hours per week, varying from a high of 7.0 in Friendly Visiting and Co-ordination tasks, to a low of 2.0 for Teaching and Therapy Assistance. Variation by agency type is found to be far greater.

Examination of variable errors of measurement in a survey-based social indicator

Abstract: The sample survey, involving the use of specially developed questionnaires and instruments, is an important source of data regarding individual experiences and social-psychological characteristics for use in social indicator research. Variable errors of measurement are often given only cursory attention in presentations of survey sampling and social indicator theory and in the analysis of such data. These errors may, however, result in reduced precision of estimates and may affect statistical inferences drawn from the data. Some procedures for assessing the extent of variable measurement error are described and examples of their use in evaluating a survey instrument and data collected are discussed.

The potential of social indicators: Minimum conditions for impact at the national level as suggested by a study of the use of ‘social indicators’ 73

Abstract: Empirical evidence is presented which suggests that the use of social indicators among upper level government officials in the United States is minimal at present. Further, the level of use is not likely to be increased by improved measurement procedures, aesthetically improved packaging, or more widespread dissemination of such information among persons who influence policy decisions. The power of such informa- tion can be expected to be no greater than that of 'mere' statistics unless deliberate effort is made to institutionalize the importance of social indicators into government operations in conjunction with policy planning, goal setting, and commitment to the use of indicators as a system of national evaluation of progress toward the achievement of societal objectives. Several recommendations are made to develop the potential of social indicators and to increase their creative and useful application in matters of public policy at the national level. federal executives with an accessible compendium of policy-relevant social information in various categories including: - Health: Longevity: the quality of health; freedom from disability; and access to health care. - Public Safety: Safety of life and property from crime; fear of crime; and adequacy of the criminal justice system. - Education: Level of basic education; opportunity for and participation in higher and continuing education. -Employment: Opportunity for employment; attitudes concerning working conditions; and the quality and character of employment life. - Income: Level of income; distribution of income; and expenditure of income. - Housing: Housing quality; overall neighborhood satisfaction; comfort and living space. - Leisure andRecreation: Time and facilities for leisure activities; patterns

The sociology of consumption: Deriving new social indicators

Abstract: A new area of research is emerging from an integration of sociology and consumer research. It is called the ‘sociology of consumption’. To date, its applications have been most thoroughly spelled out for marketers and consumer researchers. This paper explores the relevance of the sociology of consumption for social indicators research. It begins by defining this new area of research, then it discusses how a society's consumption may be conceptualized and measured. It concludes with several examples of how the study of consumption can not only be used to characterize societies but to reveal their social processes as well.

Four issues unique to socio-cultural indicators

Abstract: Four value commitments act as barriers to the development of sociocultural indicators. First, no specialists exist to develop socio-cultural indicators. Second, society is seen only as an order-seeking entity. Third, we fail to see the phenomenon as a living system. Fourth, our commitment to a pseudo-pragmatism dictates that such indicators must be ‘useful’ to those who bankroll their collection. Perhaps systems philosophers should be contracted to guide the task.

Social indicators of marital instability, U.S.A., 1920–1969

Abstract: A social indicators model which included demographic variables (birth rate and aged child ratio), economic variable (unemployment) and marriage rates (control variable) was utilized in explaining changes in divorce rates over time. Analysis of time series data for two distinctive periods in the U.S.A. (1920–1940 and 1946–1969) revealed the following significant results: (1) Demographic changes in the age structure of the population while controlling for marriage rates explains significantly larger amounts of the variance in marital instability than economic changes alone (unemployment). (2) In the post-World War II era unemployment was not found to be a statistically significant predictor of marital instability when control for demographic changes were established. (3) In the post-World War II era marriage rates appear to be a significant predictor of divorce rates when control for demographic changes were maintained. (4) In the post-World War II era marriage rates were found to be more sensitive to changes in economic conditions than marital instability (divorce rate).

A norm-referenced population health status index based on life expectancy and disability

Abstract: This paper describes a population health status index for health services research and planning purposes. The H-index uses data on average life expectancy at birth and percent of the population free from disability, however defined. It is useful in comparing the health status of health services areas relative to that of the more healthy areas selected to serve as the norm. The statistical procedure used in deriving the H-index is centour analysis, by means of which the Euclidian distances of the service areas in the study sample in two-dimensional space to the centroid of the normative areas are reflected in the H values computed. The farther away from the centroid, the less resemblance the service area has to the norm and the lower its health status. A computational example with seven normative states and 10 states in the study sample is given.

Government take-over of the social indicators movement?

Abstract: This note discusses the transformation of the social indicators movement from an ‘academic crusade’ to ‘routinized reporting by governmental agencies’, and the consequent risk of attrition in independent social research and innovative programmes.

The application of quantitative indices for health planning to regional health service areas in vermont

Abstract: Health System Agencies (HSAs) are expected to collect and analyze data on the health care delivery systems in their respective geographic areas for the purpose of preventing unnecessary dupplication of health resources and promoting the development of manpower and facilities which meet identified needs and reduce documented inefficiencies. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a feasibility study of health services in Vermont using a profile system of individual manpower and facility types and summary indices of adequacy and efficiency. The profile system and indices make use of data already available in most health service areas.

Quantifying socio-environmental impacts of predator control policies

Abstract: Quantitative indices of the socio-environmental impacts of predator control were derived from a mathematical synthesis of public perceptions and physical measures of environmental change. A nationwide survey of the U.S. public yielded cardinal measures of preference for the acceptability, primary and secondary effects on other wildlife, and cost effectiveness of control policies. To determine the public evaluation of a particular policy, the preference values were used to weight social indicators describing the physical impacts of a policy. Policymakers will be able to use the resulting values to view the tradeoffs between economic and socio-environmental costs and benefits of various policy alternatives.