Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Data Difficulties During 40 Years of Measuring Well-Being in The Netherlands

Abstract

For more than 40 years the Netherlands Institute for Social Research|SCP has studied the quality of life of the Dutch population. A characteristic element of that research is the use of time series. However, maintaining a time series over such a long period is not easy. All manner of problems arise, such as indicators no longer being relevant (who still has a black and white television?) or the changing importance that is attached to particular topics (sport is more important today than it was in 1974). The method of data collection can also change. In this article we take the perspective of a specific measurement to look at the changes that have taken place over the last 40 years and how those changes have been accommodated. We do this using the SCP Life Situation Index, which measures the objective quality of life of Dutch citizens. The conclusion is that it is possible to construct a long-term time series, but that it is not always possible to interpret changes from year to year: the perspective has to focus primarily on long-term developments.

Appendix: List of Indicators Included in the SCP Life Situation Index

• Health

  • Impeded in daily activities due to a serious disorder, long-term illness or disability (greatly impeded; slightly impeded; not impeded; has no illness, disorder or disability);

  • Impeded in leisure activities due to a serious disorder, long-term illness or disability (greatly impeded; slightly impeded; not impeded; has no illness, disorder or disability).

• Housing

  • Dwelling type (detached house; attached house; apartment; flat; retirement dwelling; youth fo student accommodation; other);

  • Number of bedrooms, living rooms, study or work rooms;

  • Area of living room;

  • Owner-occupied or rented dwelling.

• Sociocultural activities

  • Number of visits to cultural institutions (classical concert, pop concert, opera, theatre, ballet, cabaret/light entertainment, musical, film, dance evening or house party, museum);

  • Membership of associations (singing club, music society or drama club; sports club; hobby club; political organisation; trade union, employees’ or employers’ organisation; library; other association);

  • Number of hobbies (e.g. playing music, singing, ballet, amateur dramatics, painting or drawing, handicrafts, DIY, collecting, computer activities, walking or cycling).

• Social participation

  • Does voluntary work (singing, music or theatre club; sports club; hobby club; political organisation; trade union, employees’ or employers’ organisation; religious or ideological organisation; school, crèche or playgroup (e.g. parents’ committee, school board or other help at school); help for neighbours, the elderly, the disabled; organisation with social object (e.g. human rights, nature or animal protection); community association or community centre; other association(s) or organisations);

  • Scale for social isolation (there are people I can talk to; I feel isolated from other people; there are people I can turn to; there are people who really understand me; I’m part of a group of friends; my social contacts are superficial).

• Sport

  • How many sports played in last 12 months;

  • How often have you taken part in sport in the last 12 months (not; less than once per month; 1-3 times per month; once per week; twice per week; three times per week; four times per week or more).

• Holidays

  • How often have you been on holiday during the last 12 months (not; once; more than once);

  • Have you been on a foreign holiday in the last 12 months?

• Ownership of durable consumer goods

  • Hobby equipment (DVD player; personal computer);

  • Household goods (microwave; dishwasher).

• Mobility

  • Car ownership;

  • Public transport subscription.