Quality of Life: Concept, Policy and Practice

Quality of life is one of the most important issues facing the world today and is central to the development of social policy. Very little, however, has been written on this crucial topic.Quality of Lifeexplores two key questions: which societies offer the best quality of life and how can we enhance it globally? This innovative book discusses the criteria by which we can judge attempts to raise quality of life, thinking about concerns such as the satisfaction of basic and social needs, autonomy to enjoy life and social connectivity, and considers topics such as: individual well-being and health related quality of life human needs - what makes us happy poverty and social exclusion within communities social solidarity, altruism and trust within communities. Quality of Lifeis the first systematic presentation of this subject from both individual and collective perspectives. It provides a powerful overview of a concept which is becomingincreasingly prominent in the social sciences and is essential reading for students of social policy, sociology and health studies.

David Phillips is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy in the Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield.