Constructing a multidimensional well-being index for Malta

Abstract

Prompted by the rekindled interest in alternative measures of progress and a desire to contribute to the infant research base of well-being in the local context, this dissertation embarks on the journey of developing the first multidimensional well-being index for Malta, redefining wellbeing assessment beyond traditional economic metrics like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and addressing a critical gap in the literature. The construction of the Malta Wellbeing Index (MWI) was done with careful consideration of well-established practices backed by literature. The study utilises secondary data from published sources to compile a set of nineteen indicators across nine dimensions of well-being which comprehensively encapsulates the phenomenon. This is done for Malta and a selection of European Union (EU) countries. Furthermore, multiple arbitrary weighting criteria are tested, but a particular focus is placed on equal weights as a pragmatic response to the absence of a justifiable alternative. Moreover, three aggregation procedures are investigated but the main analysis is done employing the non-compensatory technique of the Adjusted Mazziotta Pareto Index (AMPI) methodology. The AMPI is proven to be effective for the assessment of a phenomenon across time and space. The MWI shows that well-being in Malta has been experiencing a general upward trend reaching a peak in 2017 and a subsequent downturn from 2018 to 2020. Furthermore, the results of the spatiotemporal comparisons highlight that from 2013 to 2017, Malta ranked very highly in well-being compared to the other EU countries exceeding the scores of countries predominantly known to have a higher standard of living. The findings also highlight the need to utilise both a dashboard of indicators and a composite measure for the effective analysis of well-being in the local context, with one element deciphering the intricacies of well-being and the other providing a clear picture of the overall state of the phenomenon. This dissertation represents a significant step towards a better understanding of well-being in the local context, but it is not without its limitations. While this study provides a solid foundation, several gaps have been identified and paths for future research have been charted. Prospective research paths include the development of a national well-being framework and the establishment of a corresponding policy at the national level. The identification of indicators which are more tailored to the local context, and the weighting of such indicators through public consultation, expert opinion, or a combination of both. The extension of the time-series and dissection of the MWI into sub-regions within Malta when data becomes available, allowing for effective spatiotemporal comparisons in the local context. In conclusion, this study does not only highlight the necessity of a more holistic and direct evaluation of well-being but also the importance of developing a measure that is effective at capturing the multidimensionality of the phenomenon while at the same time remaining accessible to a non-specialist audience.