In the introduction, some reasons for establishing such a framework are presented. One of the reasons is that the framework might contribute to a more complete, and coherent, picture of the welfare of the population, both concerning the current state and trends over time.
Chapter 2 gives an overview of former indicator systems concerning welfare in Statistics Norway, from the first edition of “Sosialt Utsyn” (Social Outlook) in 1974 to the website «Slik har vi det» (How we are doing) and the system of sustainability indicators.
Chapter 3 is devoted to trends internationally. Several countries have developed indicator systems and frameworks for measuring quality of life. We start with the presentation of the OECD framework, an inspiration for many other countries. We also look at main features of the frameworks in 11 selected countries, among them Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The chapter closes with an examination of how the indicator systems have been used in public discussions and political processes. Some countries have started to bring the framework and its indicators into the budget process.
Chapter 4 introduces some important principles and delimitations, when choosing indicators on quality of life. The indicator set is limited to the quality of life for the current generation of Norwegians, and the chosen indicators should allow the estimation of trends over time, and show the extent of social, economic, and geographical inequality. Children and youth are particularly vulnerable groups and should be made visible as much as possible.
Chapter 5 contains a discussion of the concept of quality of life. Quality of life is used in this report as a term describing a person’s welfare, implying that a person has a life that goes well. It has some characteristics that separate it from other concepts of welfare. Historically, it has been used a counterpoint to materialism. The non-material aspects of a good life are underlined. Another characteristic is a strong emphasis on ends, not means, on measuring «what really matters».
Chapter 6 introduces the dimensions that we suggest using when measuring this composite concept. This is done in two steps: First we introduce some basic dimensions of value: freedom, security, learning and development, happiness and meaning, health, belonging and community. The choice of values can be justified using population surveys and by examining often cited values in public documents and legislation. In the next step, we introduce ten empirical dimensions as the basis for measuring whether people live a good life. This is an attempt at making the relatively abstract values more concrete. As an example, both freedom and security are values that have an economic aspect, justifying the dimension of economy and material goods. The other dimensions are subjective quality of life, health, knowledge and skills, governance and participation, physical security, community, work and working environment, leisure and culture, and finally nature and local environment. These dimensions match closely those that are used in the frameworks of other countries.
In chapter 7 we discuss the choice of indicators within each of the ten dimensions. 54 indicators are presented.¹ Out of these, some 20 indicators can also be estimated at the municipal level, given some adjustments. Most dimensions have one or two indicators that touches on the situation for children and the young.
Chapter 8 discuss how the indicators can be presented and visualized in a good way, while chapter 9 finishes the report with some recommendations for further work.
¹ Corrected from 53 to 54 indicators, 22 December 2023, at 10.13 a.m