THE OECD BETTER LIFE INITIATIVE: HOW'S LIFE? AND THE MEASUREMENT OF WELL-BEING

This paper presents the framework used by the OECD for defining and measuring well-being, developed as part of the OECD Better Life Initiative launched in 2011. This framework measures well-being by considering 11 dimensions covering both current material conditions and quality of life, while also recognizing the importance of taking account the sustainability of well-being in the future. This framework has been populated with indicators for each dimension, whose selection has relied on international standards on measurement and was made in consultation with experts and National Statistical Offices of OECD countries. The paper also discusses the pros and cons of various approaches for presenting and disseminating information on multidimensional well-being to different audiencesincluding the OECDBetter Life Index, an interactive web tool. The paper concludes by illustrating the progress made in developing measures of well-being and outlines the statistical agenda ahead to improve existing indicators and develop new ones.