MICHAEL Green, CEO of the Social Progress Imperative, has developed and advanced the Social Progress Index as a measure of how well countries perform, not solely in terms of GPD per capita, but also in social and environmental indicators.These include basic needs such as education, employment, improved livelihoods, clean water, sanitation, food security, healthcare, personal freedom, and personal safety.The rationale is that a high GDP per capita does not necessarily equate with a decent quality of life and the provision of basic needs for all citizens. In pursuit of a more representative portrait of progress and success, the Social Progress Index studies 133 countries and evaluates their social and environmental index, in addition to, and relative to, their GDP.For example, the US ranks second on GDP per capita, but 16th on social progress; New Zealand ranks first on social progress, but 25th on GDP per capita.SA ranks 65th on GDP per capita, and 59th on social progress. It scores ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.