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Global Advances in Quality of Life and Well-Being: Past, Present, and Future

Author

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  • Richard J. Estes

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • M. Joseph Sirgy

    (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)

Abstract

This paper documents global progress in human well-being since the end of World War II and, more specifically, since 1950. The paper focuses on the transformative changes in quality of life that have occurred over this period in four of the most critical sectors of well-being: the health, education, economic, and welfare sectors. We also consider the significant impact that changes in the natural environment have and continue to make on humanity. In all five sectors we also identify what we regard as the underlying “drivers” that have made these transformative changes in the human condition possible and suggest how the strength of these changes can be expected to contribute to the further enhancement of quality of life and well-being over at least the near term. In pursuing these objectives, we argued in favor of adopting a more positive view with respect to the advances in quality of life and well-being that have taken place since 1950.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard J. Estes & M. Joseph Sirgy, 2019. "Global Advances in Quality of Life and Well-Being: Past, Present, and Future," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 141(3), pages 1137-1164, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:141:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s11205-018-1869-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-018-1869-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Cheng, Ying & Hu, Yuan & Zeng, Weizhong & Liu, Zhongbao, 2022. "Farmer heterogeneity and land transfer decisions based on the dual perspectives of economic endowment and land endowment," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 11(3).
    3. Mohsen Joshanloo & Veljko Jovanović & Tim Taylor, 2019. "A multidimensional understanding of prosperity and well-being at country level: Data-driven explorations," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(10), pages 1-31, October.
    4. Di Liu & Qifei Wang & Yayan Lu & Qinqin Shi & Jie Zhang, 2024. "The Impact of Individual Capabilities on Ecosystem Services and Farmers’ Well-Being: A Case Study of the Loess Plateau, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-23, April.
    5. Hazem Ahmed Khairy & Yehia Elzek & Nadir Aliane & Mohamed Fathy Agina, 2023. "Perceived Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility Effect on Green Perceived Value and Green Attitude in Hospitality and Tourism Industry: The Mediating Role of Environmental Well-Being," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-17, March.

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