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Quality of Life in the European Union: A Multidimensional Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Nicky Rogge

    (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven))

  • Ilse Nijverseel

    (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven))

Abstract

This paper quantifies and analyses subjective quality of life in the EU countries as a multidimensional concept using subjective citizen satisfaction data on eight different life dimensions. The composite index is constructed using a geometric Benefit-of-the-doubt (BoD)-method. Results show a clear divide between the Nordic and Western European countries and the Southern and Eastern European countries, with people in the former countries experiencing quality of life as higher as compared to people in the latter countries. A correlational analysis reveals a strong relation between multidimensional and one-dimensional measures of subjective quality of life. However, results also indicate that both types of measures should be used as complementary instead of substitutes.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicky Rogge & Ilse Nijverseel, 2019. "Quality of Life in the European Union: A Multidimensional Analysis," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 141(2), pages 765-789, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:141:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-018-1854-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-018-1854-y
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    3. María-Carmen Sánchez-Sellero & Beatriz García-Carro & Pedro Sánchez-Sellero, . "Synthetic Indicators of Quality of Subjective Life in the EU: Rural and Urban Areas," Prague Economic Papers, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 0.
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    5. Edith Johana Medina-Hernández & María José Fernández-Gómez & Inmaculada Barrera-Mellado, 2021. "Analysis of Time Use Surveys Using CO-STATIS: A Multiway Data Analysis of Gender Inequalities in Time Use in Colombia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-20, November.
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    10. Jing Zhang & Bingbing Huang & Xinming Chen & Congmou Zhu & Muye Gan, 2022. "Multidimensional Evaluation of the Quality of Rural Life Using Big Data from the Perspective of Common Prosperity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-21, October.
    11. Pereira, Miguel Alves & Marques, Rui Cunha, 2022. "The ‘Sustainable Public Health Index’: What if public health and sustainable development are compatible?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
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    16. Beata Bieszk-Stolorz & Krzysztof Dmytrów, 2023. "The Well-Being-Related Living Conditions of Elderly People in the European Union—Selected Aspects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-18, December.
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    18. María-Carmen Sánchez-Sellero & Beatriz García-Carro & Pedro Sánchez-Sellero, 2021. "Synthetic Indicators of Quality of Subjective Life in the EU: Rural and Urban Areas," Prague Economic Papers, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2021(5), pages 529-551.
    19. Agnieszka Marciniuk, 2021. "Equity Release Contracts with Varying Payments," Prague Economic Papers, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2021(5), pages 552-574.

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