ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the well defined and quantifiable aspects of the total life situation—the levels of living and aims to develop a unitary index of “measurable welfare” in natural units of goods and services for approximately 88 countries during the decade 1960–1970. It discusses the possible interrelationships between the “welfare” or “levels of living index” and the development strategies and structures of these countries. The chapter describes the policy implications and suggestions with respect to the international issues concerning trade and development, and the levels of living. The distinction between demographic and welfare indicators is relatively clear. It might be noted that demographic indicators can sometimes become substitutes for welfare indicators proper. Welfare indicators are observable and measurable phenomena which contain information about the degree of satisfaction of human needs. Every country’s welfare or quality of life depends to quite an extent on the resources and cooperation of other nations.
