Traditionally, when a country wants to measure its success, they calculate their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – simply put, the market value of all goods and services produced within the country. They then translate that number to a per capita figure to estimate personal income among its citizens. While it can be an effective approach, several economists are beginning to shift towards a more eclectic approach to measuring national progress.
One of which is the Social Progress Index. The SPI measures the progress of countries who best provide for the social and environmental needs of their citizens and is quickly gaining recognition among experts. The index includes 52 indicators in various categories, all stemming from three main prerequisites:
The report surveyed 50 countries and found that Sweden is the most socially advanced country, with the United States ranked 6th. Among many other findings, the report discovered a trend amongst countries with higher GDPs. The United States for example, who spends more per capita on healthcare than any other country, ranked just 11th in terms of health and wellness. Similarly, Australia who ranks 7th overall, ranked 22nd for shelter.
On the flip side, Rwanda, which ranked 46th on the index, ranks 9th in terms of primary school enrollment. And Uganda, which ranks 48th, ranks 3rd in ecosystem sustainability. View the report in its entirety here.
Invisible Children believes that each human, regardless of where they live, has inherent and irrefutable basic rights. Through innovative statistic gathering, the Social Progress Index creates a clear and transparent view of the world in terms of upholding these rights, and in turn the well-being of citizens within their own country.
The Fourth Estate Leadership Summit is a practical way for students and educators to garner the knowledge and tools to fight for social justice on a global scale. The Summit is a four-day conference, where 1400 people will gather to learn about justice, advocacy, and global citizenship through new IC media, amazing speakers, tangible action steps, and, obviously, an epic dance party.
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