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Sustainable Quality of Life: A Conceptualization That Integrates the Views of Inhabitants of Swiss Rural Regions

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  • Thea Xenia Wiesli

    (Centre for Development and Environment CDE, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
    Institute of Sociology, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

  • Ulf Liebe

    (Department of Sociology, University of Warwick, Social Sciences Building, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK)

  • Thomas Hammer

    (Centre for Development and Environment CDE, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

  • Roger Bär

    (Centre for Development and Environment CDE, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

Abstract

In most socioeconomically wealthy countries, a high quality of life is associated with a high consumption of natural resources. It is, therefore, essential to define what constitutes sustainable quality of life—that is, quality of life that is simultaneously high as well as ecologically and socially sustainable. This issue was addressed in a study on the promotion of sustainable quality of life in rural regions of Switzerland. We interviewed 90 people with the intention of developing a concept of sustainable quality of life. The concept that emerged from our research consists of nine components: social relations and equality; nature and landscape; education and knowledge; participation, identification, and collective emotions; living; mobility; health and safety; leisure and recreation; and income and employment . Each component is formulated in an integrated way, combining social, environmental, and personal aspects. The concept provides a basis for managing regional development and promoting sustainable quality of life in rural areas. In this regard, we propose starting points in the areas of social relations and equality, nature and landscape, and education and knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Thea Xenia Wiesli & Ulf Liebe & Thomas Hammer & Roger Bär, 2021. "Sustainable Quality of Life: A Conceptualization That Integrates the Views of Inhabitants of Swiss Rural Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9187-:d:615334
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    3. Thea Xenia Wiesli & Wojtek Przepiorka, 2023. "Does Living in a Protected Area Reduce Resource Use and Promote Life Satisfaction? Survey Results from and Around Three Regional Nature Parks in Switzerland," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 169(1), pages 341-364, September.

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