The economic and social progress of countries has traditionally been gauged by looking at the level and growth of GDP. However, it is increasingly recognized that reliance on a single economic measure is problematic for understanding quality of life: human well-being cannot be understood solely in terms of material resources. In order to gain a broader perspective of well-being in the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) launched a new set of ‘National Well-Being’ measures in 2010. One domain of well-being identified for measurement along with health, relationships, and other essentials, is Subjective Well-Being (SWB). In this report we ask Who is most likely to experience low well-being? Has SWB increased over time? What impact did the recession have? And are the gaps widening over time?

Read the report here: CSI 3: Subjective Wellbeing

In February 2015, CSI contributed towards the British Academy debates on well-being. You can read our blogpost or read the accompanying commentary, or watch the full debate.