The Dutch Cabinet has commissioned Statistics Netherlands (CBS) to compile an annual Monitor of well-being.
The need for such a monitor is the result of the acknowledgement that welfare comprises more than GDP growth alone. In addition to GDP-related indicators, well-being comprises a range of other domains, such as environment, health, education, labour, security, confidence and inequality. Moreover, these aspects should not just be considered ‘here and now’; the consequences of our actions for the rest of the world and for future generations should also be taken into account. Where possible, the Monitor will also examine the distribution of various elements of well-being across various groups in the population.
The need for such a monitor is the result of the acknowledgement that welfare comprises more than GDP growth alone. In addition to GDP-related indicators, well-being comprises a range of other domains, such as environment, health, education, labour, security, confidence and inequality. Moreover, these aspects should not just be considered ‘here and now’; the consequences of our actions for the rest of the world and for future generations should also be taken into account. Where possible, the Monitor will also examine the distribution of various elements of well-being across various groups in the population.
The following graphics were designed by me and used throughout the publication.
The Monitor was a resounding success, dominating the day’s news cycle.