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Measuring well-being by a multidimensional spatial model in OECD Better Life Index framework

Author

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  • Greco, Salvatore
  • Ishizaka, Alessio
  • Resce, Giuliano
  • Torrisi, Gianpiero

Abstract

We propose a multidimensional spatial model to evaluate the well-being using the Better Life Index (BLI) in 36 countries according to a two-steps procedure. First, we position the countries as points in the Euclidean K-dimensional space in which each dimension is a specific aspect of well-being as measured in the BLI. Second, we consider each individual/voter’s opinions on the same dimensions to calculate the personal optimal point in that same K-dimensional space. Hence, we measure the distance between optimal point of well-being and the actual observed point at individual level. This distance is interpreted as the individuals’ loss in well-being. We show that this loss is negatively related (i) to the overall well-being in terms of BLI and (ii) the main indices of quality of democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Greco, Salvatore & Ishizaka, Alessio & Resce, Giuliano & Torrisi, Gianpiero, 2017. "Measuring well-being by a multidimensional spatial model in OECD Better Life Index framework," MPRA Paper 83526, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:83526
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Better life Index; OECD; Well-being; Loss function;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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