The ‘Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress’ Report and Quality of Life: Moving Forward

In 2009 the Stiglitz Commission presented its report on the Measurement of Progress in Societies. The report was commissioned by President Sarkozy of France in 2008. Among its members, the Commission had five Nobel laureates. The report emphasizes three areas which require further attention by statistical offices and policy makers: A better measurement of the domestic production of goods and services, the incorporation of sustainability considerations, and the measurement of quality of life. This paper argues that the report constitutes good news; however, if further actions are not undertaken the report may have little impact in the study and measurement of quality of life and, specially, in the quality of life of ordinary people. The paper makes some recommendations which, in the opinion of the author, could enhance the impact of the report on establishing the pursuit of quality of life as a main social aim.

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