Gross Domestic Wellbeing (GDWe): An alternative measure of social progress

The Carnegie UK Trust is pleased to publish Gross Domestic Wellbeing (GDWe): An alternative measure of social progress.

COVID-19 is bringing into sharp focus the importance of societal wellbeing. The pandemic has laid bare the disparities that persist for many people living in the UK, and the interconnection of different factors that have an impact on how we live our lives together as a society.

From the quality of our relationships to our health, to the places we call home and our income – the contribution of each to wellbeing cannot be understood in isolation. What is more, the narrow parameters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) do not – and cannot – tell an accurate story of whether life is improving, where the gaps are, and who is being left behind.

Gross Domestic Wellbeing (GDWe)™ offers a holistic and relevant alternative to GDP as a measure of social progress. Using the framework and data in the Office for National Statistics Measures of National Wellbeing Dashboard, we have developed – for the first time – a tool that provides a single figure for GDWe in England, and mapped this against GDP for the past six years.

Our analysis found that GDWe in England was in decline before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Urgent action is therefore needed to focus decision-making on wellbeing.

Undertaken alongside a thematic analysis of the recommendations made within 48 key commissions and inquiries undertaken in England since 2010, we have identified areas of mutual focus and concern, to highlight the key actions that should be taken to improve wellbeing.

An overview of the main findings is provided in our summary document.

We hope that the findings of this report will be of interest to you. To let us know your thoughts, please email hannah.ormston@Carnegieuk.org or join the debate online by tagging @CarnegieUKTrust #GDWe – we would be pleased to hear from you.

Best wishes,

Sarah

Sarah Davidson
Chief Executive
Twitter: @CarnegieUKTrust
www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk

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