Quality of life has meaning and implications for all of us. While exploring the popular references to the term, Quality of Life also compares the technical meanings in medicine, the social sciences and in economic and social planning. Methods of measuring quality of life in these and other fields are reviewed to draw out elements which enhance the others.
Covering the topic comprehensively for the first time, Philip Seed and Greg Lloyd stress a values-based approach, which is equally applicable to health and social services, housing, regional planning and sustainable development. They argue that quality of life assessments, whether by individuals or institutions, share a common set of values.
The book takes a holistic view in order to develop a deeper understanding of quality of life values in contemporary society. Some far-reaching implications for the role of the state, pressure groups, voluntary social services and the church are addressed.