one of the main concepts from Global Flourishing Research Although overall life esteem and financial security are higher in high-income countries, other aspects of well-being, such as meaning, social character, and relationships, are often higher in middle-income countries. This leads to critical questions about how we can do economic development without destroying meaning, character and relationships. One important, albeit difficult, step in this direction would be to measure such aspects of well-being on a truly global basis.
Eudaimonia
Concepts of character have been central to understanding well-being across time and tradition. In Western contexts, Aristotle– is often quoted but sometimes misinterpreted contemporary welfare literature– “thriving” or “contrived”eudaimonia” as being central, but not exclusive, to acting in accordance with virtue.However, one can see the importance of the concepts of character and virtue. across philosophical, cultural and religious traditions. Good character builds and flourishes in self and others; Although the scale is certainly not simple.
In welfare assessment efforts a differentiate It is sometimes drawn between “eudaimonic” approaches, which focus on realizing one’s potential, and hedonic or evaluative approaches, which focus on how happy or unhappy a person feels, or on cognitive evaluation of or satisfaction with one’s life. In Contemporary Psychology Literature, Carol Riff argued highlight and advance the eudaimonic concept of psychological well-being based on the concepts of purpose, personal growth, self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, and mastery of the environment; and others followed him.
Both of them welfare aspects are undoubtedly important and both should be assessed. However, it depends on what is evaluated context and available resources. In some contexts only a single item assessment will be possible; and in others, it is appropriate to implement much broader measures.
Practical assessment
Gathering information about who needs support and in what ways is important in thinking about well-being and identifying the strengths and areas for development of individuals and communities. Measurement can also generate research insights important for policy and practice. For example, feeling like an outsider is not surprisingly related to the overall evaluation of life in adulthood, but has a more profound effect on it. happiness and life satisfaction. Or relatively meaningwe find consistently across countries childhood attending a religious service can powerfully instill a sense of meaning in adulthood. Or relevant relationshipsWhile women report higher relationship quality than men in most countries, the reverse is true in Kenya. Or relevant characterAlthough childhood adversities largely predicted poorer outcomes, volunteering and to give alms Beneficial relationships are among the few outcomes that exist that demonstrate the capacity for personal growth in the face of adversity. Such insights help us understand the distribution of wealth and what needs to be done to promote it.
Looking ahead
Later this year, we plan to begin collecting annual nationally representative data on many aspects of prosperity in the United States, including national data estimates. community welfareand also love (love of neighbor and from the enemy), creating a State Prosperity Report. Many institutions are joining forces to expand quantitative data collection efforts to include questions about life satisfaction, meaning, character, relationships, love, and more. A recent meeting at the Vatican called for a coordinated, morally richer evaluation effort, and this would be an important step in that direction.
Better measurement, policy and cooperationwe can promote the prosperity and development of the whole person and society as a whole.
