Quality of life: challenges of globalization

Abstract

Globalization is shifting the primary focus of international competition from economic growth rates to the quality of life of citizens, despite the simultaneous increase in global social and economic inequalities. This chapter examines the challenges this trend presents, illustrating that economic success (like Botswana's high GDP growth) does not automatically translate into improved quality of life (measured by the Human Development Index - HDI). It highlights that a high quality of life—encompassing good jobs, education, and effective healthcare—is derived from the strength of social and labor relations, the formation of human capital, and effective governance. The analysis underscores the need for states to prioritize improving the quality of working life and social well-being, defined by various indices (like Gallup-Healthways) that combine objective statistics with subjective life satisfaction.