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.
Similar content being viewed by others
Bibliography
Andrews, F. M. and Withey, S. B.: 1974, ‘Developing measures of perceived life quality: Results from several national studies’, Social Indicators Research 1, pp. 1–26.
Angrist, S.: 1976, ‘Subjective social indicators for urban areas: How useful for policy?’, Sociological Focus 9, pp. 217–230.
Bunge, M.: 1975, ‘What is a quality of life indicator?’, Social Indicators Research 2, pp. 65–79.
Campbell, A., Converse, P. E., and Rodgers, W. L.: 1975, The Quality of American Life (Russell Sage, New York).
Consultative Group of Survey Research: 1976, ‘Survey Research’ (Canada Council, Ottawa).
Chapin, F. S.: 1968, ‘Activity systems and urban structure: A working schema’, Journal of the American Institute of Planners XXXIV, pp. 11–19.
Horton, F. E. and Reynolds, D. R.: 1971, ‘Effects of urban spatial structure on individual behaviour’, Economic Geography XLVII, pp. 36–48.
Carp, F. M., Zawadski, R. T., and Shokron, H.: 1976, ‘Dimensions of Urban environmental quality’, Environment and Behaviour 8, pp. 239–264.
McCall, S.: 1975, ‘Quality of life’, Social Indicators Research 2, pp. 229–248.
Merton, R. K. and Nisbet, R.: 1971, Contemporary Social Problems (Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, New York).
Michelson, W.: 1975, ‘Urbanism and ways of living: The changing view of planning researchers’, Ekistics 40/236, pp. 20–26.
Robinson, W. S.: 1961, ‘Ecological correlations and the behaviour of individuals’, in G. A., Theodorson (ed.), Studies in Human Ecology (Row Peterson, Evanston, Ill.), pp. 115–120.
Rodgers, W. L. and Converse, P. E.: 1975, ‘Perceived quality of life’, Social Indicators Research 2, pp. 127–152.
Schneider, M.: 1976, ‘The “Quality of Life” and social indicators research’, Public Administration Review 36, pp. 297–305.
Sheldon, E. B. and Freeman, H. E.: 1970, ‘Notes on social indicators: Promises and potential’, Policy Sciences 1, pp. 97–111.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The authors are indebted to Earle Snider for his useful comments on our discussion.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kennedy, L.W., Northcott, H.C. & Kinzel, C. Subjective evaluation of well-being: Problems and prospects. Social Indicators Research 5, 457–474 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00352943
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00352943