Towards a System of Indices on the Quality of European Societies (SIQES)

Abstract

In this chapter, we present the theoretical framework, distinctive features, and applications of the System of Indices on the Quality of the European Societies (SIQES). The SIQES is the result of a compilation of the main composite social indicators created in order to measure important aspects of the quality of the European societies: quality of life, subjective well-being, social and political participation, cultural practice, creativity and innovation, job quality, environmental sustainability, social equality, gender equality, child and elderly well-being, health conditions, and crime, security and rule of law. First, we expose the structure of the book, and the informational content of each index. Then, the chapter shows the theoretical framework that inspires the SIQES, which is based on the combination and complementarity of the quality of life and social quality perspectives. The basic distinctive features of the SIQES are: use of focused composite indicators; balance between social theory and empirical information; measurement of concepts belonging to micro, meso and macro level; and a theoretically and empirically open system of indicators. Finally, we propose possible substantive and methodological applications of the SIQES in relation to diagnosis and evaluation, international comparative analysis, and correlational analysis between different aspects of the social structure.