7. Social Well-being and Quality of Life,

Case Study 1: Quality of Life and Social Well-being in Nordic Countries

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Social Well-being:

• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow, 1943) – Social well-being depends on fulfilling basic and psychological needs.
• Capability Approach (Sen, 1999) – Quality of life is determined by an individual’s ability to achieve well-being.
• Social Capital Theory (Putnam, 1993) – Strong social networks enhance well-being.
• Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Economic disparities influence well-being across regions.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Quality of Life Index Model – Measures well-being through economic, health, and social indicators.
• Human Development Index (HDI) Framework – Evaluates life expectancy, education, and income.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses well-being through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Nordic Countries: Denmark, Sweden, and Finland rank highest in global well-being indices.
• Social Welfare Policies: Universal healthcare, education, and strong labor protections contribute to high quality of life.
• Mental Health and Work-Life Balance: Nordic countries emphasize mental health support and flexible work policies.

Policy Responses:

• Government Interventions: Strong welfare systems ensure equitable access to resources.
• Community Engagement: High levels of social trust and civic participation improve well-being.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Green policies enhance environmental quality and public health.

Spatial Variation:

• Urban Centers: High well-being due to access to services.
• Rural Areas: Moderate well-being with strong community networks.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Nordic welfare models evolving since 1950s.
• Future Projections: Expected continued investment in social policies.

Source:

• How’s Life? 2024 – OECD

Insight:

Nordic countries validate Social Capital Theory, emphasizing the role of strong social networks in enhancing well-being.

Case Study 2: Inequalities and Social Well-being in Zambia

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Social Well-being:

• Capability Approach (Sen, 1999) – Quality of life is determined by an individual’s ability to achieve well-being.
• Social Capital Theory (Putnam, 1993) – Strong social networks enhance well-being.
• Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Economic disparities influence well-being across regions.
• Dependency Theory (Frank, 1967) – Developing regions depend on global economic structures.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Subjective Well-being Model – Measures happiness and life satisfaction.
• Human Development Index (HDI) Framework – Evaluates life expectancy, education, and income.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses well-being through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Western Province, Zambia: Low levels of subjective well-being due to economic inequalities.
• Education and Social Capital: Households with educated members report higher well-being.
• Resource Access: Limited access to healthcare and employment negatively impacts well-being.

Policy Responses:

• Community Development Programs: Empowering individuals through education and social inclusion.
• Economic Interventions: Investments in infrastructure and employment opportunities.
• Social Cohesion Initiatives: Encouraging participation in local governance and community networks.

Spatial Variation:

• Urban Centers: Higher well-being due to better access to services.
• Rural Areas: Lower well-being due to economic deprivation.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Social inequalities persisting since colonial era.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in policy interventions to improve well-being.

Source:

• Inequalities and Social Capital in Zambia – Journal of Happiness Studies

Insight:

Zambia’s social well-being challenges validate Capability Approach, emphasizing the role of education and social inclusion in improving quality of life.