Policy Relevant Quality of Life Research

Abstract

Objective indicators, particularly economic indicators, are inadequate for inferring quality of life (Q. of L.); they must be supplemented by subjective indicators. A strategy is proposed for developing policy relevant Q. of L. research that includes: developing a conceptual analytical map of human needs, utilizing both subjective and objective indicators, selecting diverse communities to study, ascertaining lifestyle preferences, emphasizing environmental factors, comparing Q. of L. across national cultures, using Q. of L. data to study social structures. The paper concludes with some specific suggestions for using Q. of L. research in policymaking to: identify predicaments, provide value weightings, infer prospective project impacts, assess project outcomes, test limits of inferences from objective to subjective indicators, suggest alternate lifestyles, alert leaders to growing disaffection.