Analyzing Social Self-Organization and Historical Dynamics: Life Quality Index

P. 521–530.

Malkov S., Bilyuga S., Jameelah Musieva

It is quite natural that in the current global transition from the “era of growth” to the “era of stability,” the importance of qualitative changes in all spheres of life is increasing. It is indicators of the quality of life in different countries of the world that play an important role among the indicators characterizing these changes. Quality of life depends on both material, social, and psychological factors. Taking into account the existing approaches to determining the quality of life, Malkov et al. make an attempt to create an integrated index that considers both subjective (psychological) and objective aspects of its assessment. The notion that the higher the quality of life, the more basic material, social, and spiritual needs are met, is used as a methodological basis for the construction of the index. When constructing the index, Malkov et al use Maslow’s theory of the “pyramid” of needs (the first, basic, hierarchical level within the “pyramid” is physiological needs, the last level is the need for self-actualization). For each type of needs, indicators characterizing the degree of their satisfaction (or, on the contrary, dissatisfaction) have been selected. The chapter contains a description of the methodology used and some calculation results.

Keywords: global transition, “era of growth”, “era of stability”, qualitative changes

In book

Reconsidering the Limits to Growth. A Report to the Russian Association of the Club of Rome

Springer, 2023.