“The project aims at finding out what gives Nordic nations a high quality of life compared with other nations; where they are strong and where they are weak. This will make it easier to find ways to get even better results “, says Stefán Ólafsson, Professor of Sociology. He has been working on an extensive study where quality of life in 29 nations is compared. An extensive data-base has been created to achieve a more multi-faceted measurement of quality of life than has been hitherto achieved. Ólafsson says that the study is based on a similar methodology as the annual United Nations’ quality of life measurement; except that in the UN measurement four variables are measured, but in his study the variables are sixty-nine.
Ólafsson says that the study will increase understanding of the quality of life in nations and how the high or low quality in different fields is interconnected. What has brought good results, and what hinders progress, as for example in Southern Europe. The information is practical and will hopefully help to improve quality of life.
Ólafsson has long worked on issues connected to welfare and he feels that too much of that discussion has revolved around the cost of welfare. He claims that attention should be paid to the results of welfare, independent of the investment in the area. The organisation, culture and mentality of the nations should also be taken into account. “In that context it is interesting to consider how short term crisis among peoples change deeper values, part of the cultural heritage that shapes society in the long term. “Short term policies come and go, but they do not easily change the fundamental structure”, Ólafsson adds.
He says that it is no surprise that the Nordic countries are at the top of the list concerning quality of life, but the United States do not fare so well. Despite being at the top regarding economic prowess the distribution of wealth is uneven and the level of education low. This entails a number of social problems.
