Physical quality of life indices for South Africa∗

Income distribution, employment and regional development in South Africa project, initiated and sponsored by the Central Economic Advisory Services and administered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Abstract

The Physical Quality of Life Index is a new measure of development progress designed to capture significant human consequences of economic growth. Using newly available data, PQLIs are calculated for each race in South Africa, for males and females and for the country as a whole. International comparisons are developed as is a comparison with existing subjective measures of life quality. Implications for development priorities as well as critical needs for additional research are derived. Limited time series data are reviewed to conclude that significant progress has recently been made improving the quality of life for all population groups in South Africa.

Notes

Professor of Development Economics, Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics, Colorado State University, USA. The conclusion and views contained in this paper are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any agency associated with this project.

Income distribution, employment and regional development in South Africa project, initiated and sponsored by the Central Economic Advisory Services and administered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.