Oman - Understanding well-being data
Oman, S. (2021). Understanding well-being data: Improving social and cultural policy, practice and research. London: Palgrave. ISBN 978-3-030-72936-3
This book delves into the importance of well-being data and its impact on shaping our understanding of well-being and influencing evidence-based decisions for societal improvement. It highlights the pivotal role well-being data plays in shaping life opportunities, livelihoods, and overall quality of life, gaining increasing value for profit-oriented companies, socially focused organizations, and governments addressing societal challenges, particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The book traces the historical use of well-being data, showcasing its enduring relevance in monitoring society's health and wealth. Moreover, it challenges long-standing assumptions underpinning social science, statistics, and policy work for over two centuries.
Understanding Well-being Data furnishes real-life examples and offers rich insights into data collection, analysis, and application procedures. Acknowledging the significance of contextual factors in data and decision-making, it highlights their critical role in shaping policies, practices, and research for positive impacts and harm avoidance.
Although the book recognizes the unresolved limitations of well-being data, it emphasizes its potential positive contributions to society. Through a comprehensive survey and critical assessment, readers gain tools better to comprehend the potency and possibilities of well-being data while appreciating the boundaries of its application.
Susan Oman “ Understanding Well-being Data Improving Social and Cultural Policy, Practice and Research”