Global Social Change Research Project
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The goal of the [http://gsociology.icaap.org/ Global Social Change Research Project] is to bring together knowledge of our social, political and economic world. Where we are, how we got here, and where we are going. A solid understanding of the world is the first step for improving living conditions of all people throughout the world. | The goal of the [http://gsociology.icaap.org/ Global Social Change Research Project] is to bring together knowledge of our social, political and economic world. Where we are, how we got here, and where we are going. A solid understanding of the world is the first step for improving living conditions of all people throughout the world. | ||
| − | Specifically, we prepared reports on social, economic and political aspects of society, and trends over time in these characteristics. Through these reports, we present a picture of how society is constructed, and how society changes over time. It is expected that these reports can be easily accessible reports, presenting a comprehensive picture of how societies change. One report, for example, is [[Basic Guide to the World, Quality of Life Throughout the World|Quality of Life]]. | + | Specifically, we prepared reports on social, economic and political aspects of society, and trends over time in these characteristics. Through these reports, we present a picture of how society is constructed, and how society changes over time. It is expected that these reports can be easily accessible reports, presenting a comprehensive picture of how societies change. One report, for example, is [[Basic Guide to the World, Quality of Life Throughout the World|Quality of Life]]. Another set of reports are about [[Social_Change_Demographic_Trends_Reports|world demographic trends]]. |
We are also a central portal for reports, data and research from many other people and organizations concerning social, political, economic or demographic change. | We are also a central portal for reports, data and research from many other people and organizations concerning social, political, economic or demographic change. | ||
| − | One major project is to prepare a set of reports about measuring well-being and progress of societies, described and listed below.<br> | + | One major project is to prepare a set of reports about measuring well-being and progress of societies, described and listed below.<br> |
== Beginners guides on measuring the progress of societies == | == Beginners guides on measuring the progress of societies == | ||
Latest revision as of 16:51, 24 March 2012
About
The goal of the Global Social Change Research Project is to bring together knowledge of our social, political and economic world. Where we are, how we got here, and where we are going. A solid understanding of the world is the first step for improving living conditions of all people throughout the world.
Specifically, we prepared reports on social, economic and political aspects of society, and trends over time in these characteristics. Through these reports, we present a picture of how society is constructed, and how society changes over time. It is expected that these reports can be easily accessible reports, presenting a comprehensive picture of how societies change. One report, for example, is Quality of Life. Another set of reports are about world demographic trends.
We are also a central portal for reports, data and research from many other people and organizations concerning social, political, economic or demographic change.
One major project is to prepare a set of reports about measuring well-being and progress of societies, described and listed below.
Beginners guides on measuring the progress of societies
This series of pamphlets briefly introduces basic concepts on measuring the well-being and progress of societies. These pamphlets are intended to be easy to read, non technical, introductions. The pamphlets start by discussing why to measure progress and what, in general, to measure. Then the pamphlets introduce specific measures of progress, such as economic, demographic or political measures.
There are many indicators of progress. For example, typically, an indicator of economic progress might be measured by average economic wealth per person, poverty or inequality. However, there may be many issues involved in measuring the indicators. For example, there might not be universal agreement on which measures to use, how to define the measures, or even how to define the indicator. Additionally, there may be issues with the quality of the data, for example whether it is reliable and valid.
Thus in these pamphlets, we give brief overviews of the indicators of progress, and discuss some of the main issues involved in measuring/defining/using the indicators.
For each indicator, we review the most recent literature, including reports and papers from major researchers or organizations. We then summarize major points about the indicators and their measurement, what the current thinking is about the indicators, and major problems and solutions, if available.
These pamphlets are introductory and brief overviews. In general, we try to focus on the major issues and provide, where possible, links to additional resources which may provide more comprehensive views and may also be useful for research.
We also ask scholars in the field to review the pamphlets and then we revise the pamphlets according to the feedback. We also invite any other interested individuals or organizations to review the pamphlets and provide feedback.
These pamphlets can also be used as a springboard for further discussion by those involved in measuring progress, and we would be happy if this set of pamphlets could reflect diverse viewpoints, from the many scholars involved in measuring progress.
The data for the reports on the Wikiprogress page are available here:
Pamphlets
Is Life Getting Better Introduction to measuring well-being and progress of societies.
Is Life Getting Better: Why measure well-being and progress
Is Life Getting Better: What to measure
Is Life Getting Better: General approach of the pamphlets
Is Life Getting Better: GDP per capita
Is Life Getting Better: Poverty
Is Life Getting Better: Introduction to inequality
Is Life Getting Better: Data about inequality
Is Life Getting Better: Issues in measuring inequality
