The distribution and dynamics of economic and social wellbeing in the UK: An analysis of the recession using multidimensional indicators of living standards

Income based measures of standards of living do not capture the full extent of economic advantage and disadvantage in society. Analyses using multidimensional indicators of economic and social well-being can provide policy makers and the public with additional information on how economic shocks impact on the diverse economic, material and social conditions of individuals and households.

This project will draw on PSEUK, Family Resources Survey and Understanding Society data to provide a multi-dimensional and real-life portrait of the evolution of economic and social well-being across the spectrum of society. Objective and subjective measures will be used to examine how the recession impacted on economically advantaged and disadvantaged groups.

It will allow for a critical examination of whether indicators of economic well-being complemented by social well-being and living conditions lead to a better understanding of who benefited and lost out during the recession. It will help shed light on groups who require public debate and policy attention.