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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Handbook Quality of Life 2022 Quality of Life and Social Change: Individual and Collective Paths of Social Change that nurture Quality of Life
NOTE TO AUTHORS: The aim of each chapter is to show up alternative ways to tackle social change. For structuring the chapter, concreteness is precious; with on the one hand a pragmatic way of how this was undertaken (WHY/WHERE/WHAT) and on the other the author’s unique path of becoming (WHO), which led to their approach to social change
1. Scope The aim of this book is to provide an extensive panorama of theories and practices related to quality of life pursued in the arena of social change. This compilation considers social, economic, environmental, and political/governance aspects as well as communication, design and human behavioural factors that favour or hamper change dynamics. To achieve this aim and to provide a multidisciplinary perspective, the chapters will be written by a diverse set of authors, including both practitioners and academics from various disciplines. This logic of diversity will be applied as well in the selection of different cultural, political and geographical contexts with contributors at different stages of their career. Contributions will be written in a compelling storytelling format that combines the personal experience of the author with their professional perspective.
2. Content The varied set of perspectives deriving from the authors’ field of experience and expertise will result in a kaleidoscope of first-hand knowledge about the paths that are conducive to quality of life at individual and collective levels. Whereas some chapters will concentrate on the policy dimension, others will provide case-studies, and others methodological innovations. Their common theme will be a holistic angle to social change processes that is not limited in its scope to either the material or the immaterial side of social transformation. The chapters will illustrate connections between micro changes (individual) and the dynamics that derive from it at the meso (community), macro (country) and meta level (planet) as well as quality of life and social change processes that have impact which is sustained through time. The editor will provide an introduction of the holistic perspective to social transformation that is illustrated by the chapters. This perspective is anchored in the understanding that quality of life is the result of alignment between the twice four dimensions that influence human existence at the individual level (soul, heart, mind and body; expressed as aspirations, emotions, thoughts and sensations), and collectively (micro, meso, macro and meta; or individual experiences, communities, countries and the world). A central message is that individual wellbeing (quality of life) is the cause and consequence of collective welfare. One without the other is unsustainable, and both can be promoted by systematically assessing and addressing the mutual interplay that connects them. Within this framework authors are expected to provide their own views, practical experience and theoretical approximation on how the multiple dimensions at stake - play out in relation to quality of life without ties to a monolithic orthodoxy. Each chapter should start with an introduction whereby authors establish their own being and becoming approximately 2,000 words) that led to the philosophy and approach that they are pursuing to build and promote local, national, or global Quality of Life (approximately 5,000 words). Moreover, such a spotlight on social change dynamics that are pursued in the ambition of inclusive quality of life for a maximum of people will shed light onto the multi-faceted nature of individual and collective wellbeing. The featured chapters will illustrate not only both, the material and immaterial factors that matter for individual and collective quality of life, and the change that needs to happen in order to foster it; but they furthermore show patterns related to the mutual interplay of individual (micro), communitarian (meso), national (macro) and global (meta) development. Differently from other volumes on social change and/or quality of life the contributors of this handbook will offer not only their professional and theoretical perspective, but also link this to their own being and becoming; thus, the lived experience that their proposal is grounded in. The Conclusion will serve to highlight common patterns that arise from the different perspectives. Respectively and together the chapters will demonstrate that quality of life and social change mutually condition and nurture each other; which stands in diametrical opposition to the common assumption that one is needed before the other one can be initiated. Keywords: Aid, aspiration, behaviour insights, connection, distribution, economic development, emotion, empowerment, environment, geographical perspective, holistic perspective, humanitarian action, impact, inequality, inequity, influence, institutions, interdisciplinarity, international development, leadership, mental health, mixed-methods, personal development, poverty, public policy, resilience, social norms, social policy, social transformation, sustainability.
3. Timeline Abstract proposals latest submitted by authors: October 2021 Decisions provided to authors: November 2022 Chapter manuscripts due: May 2022 Revisions and final preparation: May-September 2022 Submit Springer: September 2022 Publication (expected): April 2023
Core components
The chapters will be grouped in two main parts: 1) Past and present perspectives, which looks at existing concepts and constellations; and 2) Present and future promises, which explores innovative approaches and applications. Respectively and together these parts will address four questions: WHAT IS QUALITY OF LIFE? Local definitions to QoL. Causes and consequences; WHERE ARE ENTRY POINTS? Logic and limitation of players; WHO IS/SHOULD BE INVOLVED? Holistically Humane foci in social change programs; WHY CHANGE IS NEEDED, NOW? Visions for Social Change. Looking at approximately 40 contributors it is estimated that this Handbook will contain 350,000 words, including introduction, conclusion, references, figures and annexes. In line with the four question that are the backbone of this handbook (WHAT, WHERE, WHO, WHY) the authors will draw on their personal and professional experience. They will look briefly at the core drivers that motivated their journey (WHY they are here, in this line of work and in this collection), their own being and becoming (WHO they are – which influences their research, work and quality of life), and the way it shaped their vision and approach to social change (WHERE they stand in life – their theoretical and methodological perspective), which lead to the methodology and perspective that they are offering in this book (WHAT can be done to build and nurture sustainable social change, thus expanding on practical applications and policy/programmatic recommendations).
**** IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE SHARE A 200-300 WORD ABSTRACT EARLIEST POSSIBLE AND NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 2021 FOR QUESTIONS AND/OR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST PLEASE CONTACT: Cornelia Walther -
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THANK YOU
2021-08_Handbook_Holistic QoL_Call for Abstracts.pdf
Measuring Progress: STATEC Well-being Seminar Series
15 October 2021
17:00 CET (11:00 AM Eastern) – 18:00 CET (12:00 PM Eastern)
Nuno Nunes Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon
Inequalities and well-being in Portugal: monitoring through a local system of indicators for Europe
Abstract: Inequality and well-being are central concerns in today’s world. Recent studies emphasize that inequality constrains well-being, but the findings are mostly supported by analysis between countries, that do not take into consideration inequalities within countries and their specific place-based scope. This seminar has two overarching objectives: first, it aims to present new knowledge about the relations between inequalities and well-being, under the frameworks of OECD Better Life Initiative, in the case of Portugal and their municipalities, with the far-reaching purpose of analytical replication to the other European countries; and second, by proposing a comparable system of indicators that allows for within and between country analysis on inequalities and well-being, to discuss public policies for achieving at local levels in Europe the sustainable development goals of United Nations 2030 Agenda. We propose to operationalise a set of place-based inequality and well-being indicators which make it possible to enhance public policies, supported on a European well-being agenda, that would allow overcoming strict visions of European integration, convergence and social cohesion, objectives that in the current global pandemic crisis are even more challenging for Europe. The results that we will present can contribute for building a system of place-based indicators able to monitor the European 2030 UN Agenda throughout municipalities and regions.
Prof. Dr. Nuno Nunes, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon, speaks on behalf of the “Territories of Inequality and Well-Being Project” (TIWELL), which includes Rosário Mauritti, Maria do Carmo Botelho, Daniela Craveiro, Sara Silva and Luís Cabrita and is conducted in the Researh Centre Cies-Iscte. The project contributors have published their work in journals such as European Societies, Journal of Civil Society, International Studies in Sociology of Education, Education Sciences, Social Policy and Society, European Journal of Social Work, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Health and Place, the Portuguese Journal of Social Science, and Sociologia, Problemas e Práticas, among other publications.
The webinar will be held in English via Cisco Webex and recorded.
Registration is mandatory for this event.
Meeting password: p5A3tkxU23*
We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Division of Positive Psychology operating under the Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA).
This division is a platform for stakeholders to understand the development of positive psychology in Malaysia. Our visions are to introduce and promote positive psychology to the country and communities and also to provide continuing professional development for members.
We are honored to invite you to attend the Launching Ceremony of the Division of Positive Psychology.
The details of the ceremony are as follow:
Date: 09 Oct 2021 (Sat)
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Malaysia time)
Platform: Facebook live (https://www.facebook.com/mydivpospsych)
Opening Speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Shahrazad Wan Sulaiman, President of Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA)
Forum "The Future of Positive Psychology in Malaysia" by Prof. Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim and Prof. Dr. Deborah Hall.
Attached are the detail and itinerary of the launching ceremony for your perusal. Kindly extend the invitation to your colleagues, students, and friends. We look forward to seeing you.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any inquiries about the division. We also look forward to collaborating with your association to promote Positive Psychology.
Thank you.
Regards,
Chee-Seng TAN, Ph.D.
Head
Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA)
Email: positivepsychology.div@psima.org.my
Website | Facebook
The Happy Planet Index 2021 Online Launch Event
The Happy Planet Index measures what matters: sustainable wellbeing for all.It tells us how well nations are doing at achieving long, happy, sustainable lives.
Join WEAll (the Wellbeing Economy Alliance) for the launch of the latest rankings of the Happy Planet Index!
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ud-mrqDguHNUYstvh8w7K38AQ0ypn67-l
Congrats to ISQOLS member, Shoirakhon Nurdinova, on winning "The best project among women-scientists" from International Fund for supporting science and education/Ziyo Forum. This award is given for her research project on the happiness of working/nonworking women:
https://ziyoforum.uz/fond-yangiliklari/post/ziyolilar-kitobining-taqdimoti
Shoirakhon Nurdinova
Senior Lecturer/Namangan State University
Namangan Uzbekistan 160136
READ HERE: GNH index.pdf
New Zealand government recognises the benefit of reporting the GNH index.
The Gross National Happiness.Today index developed by Stephanie Rossouw (Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand ) and Talita Greyling (University of Johannesburg, South Africa) uses Big Data in the form of Twitter to measure New Zealanders' evaluative mood. The scale of the happiness scores is between 0 (unhappy) and 10 (happy), with 5 being neutral, thus neither happy nor unhappy. Additionally, each tweet's underpinning emotions are analysed. Currently, a distinction is made between eight emotions: sadness, surprise, disgust, anticipation, fear, anger, trust, and joy.
On Monday 6 September, Statistics New Zealand started reporting the GNH as an official indicator, representing a real-time measure for subjective well-being, in the NZ Statistic COVID-19 data portal.
Please see the link below.
https://www.stats.govt.nz/experimental/covid-19-data-portal?tab=Social&category=Life%20satisfaction&indicator=Gross%20national%20happiness
Asked about the accuracy of the GNH, Stephanie said, "Once again, the GNH never ceases to amaze me The GNH captures the events of the past month accurately".
9 August – negative impact of the major power cut experienced in the North Island
17 August – level 4 lockdown for NZ
30 August – Auckland to remain in level 4 lockdown for two more weeks starting 31 August
3 September – lone terrorist attack in a Countdown grocery store
@SpringerSocSci
Measuring Progress - Statistics Portal // Luxembourg - STATEC Research (public.lu)
This international event will bring together leading thinkers to discuss the quest for better lives. Economists traditionally advocated economic growth as the foremost policy goal, but now even economists often challenge this view. How should we measure progress? The discussion remains open, indeed flourishes, with more contributors than ever.
The event contributes broadly to this discussion. Preeminent authors from the well-being and quality-of-life fields will give six talks over three days. Talks will focus on their current research and include both the broader background and policy implications. At the end of each session, time will be reserved for questions and answers.
June 16, Wednesday: 17:00 CET, 11:00 AM Eastern Stefano Bartolini, University of Siena - Abstract Richard Easterlin, University of Southern California - Abstract Invitation and registration June 28, Monday: 17:00 CET, 11:00 AM Eastern Andrew Oswald, University of Warwick - Abstract Carol Graham, Brookings Institution and University of Maryland - Abstract Invitation and registration June 29, Tuesday: 17:00 CET, 11:00 AM Eastern Ruut Veenhoven, Erasmus University Rotterdam - Abstract John de Graaf, author, filmmaker, speaker - Abstract Invitation and registration
Please send an email to infoSWB2020@statec.etat.lu to indicate you are interested in attending. You will then be added to the event mailing list, which will be used to convey the most up to date information and registration links.
Beginning in September, STATEC Research will host a new seminar series continuing the discussions from the June event. Presentations will take place virtually approximately every two weeks. Talks will focus on quality-of-life research generally but will also discuss both the broader background and policy implications.
We will periodically update this page with additional details. You may also contact us here with questions: infoSWB2020@statec.etat.lu
Measuring Progress: Online Forum on Well-Being is organized by STATEC Research, part of the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies of Luxembourg (STATEC), and supported by the International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies.
The Centre for the Study of Living Standards (Canada) and The Productivity Institute (United Kingdom) are inviting proposals for papers on the topic “Productivity and Well-Being – Measurement and Explanations.” Accepted papers, which should represent new and original work, will be published in a theme issue of the International Productivity Monitor, now the joint flagship publication of both organizations. The expected publication date is the Spring of 2022. A virtual authors’ workshop with first drafts of papers will be held in November 2021. The deadline for receipt of proposals for papers is July 15, 2021. The call for paper providing the motivation for the project and the issues to be addressed is posted at http://www.csls.ca/call-for-papers.pdf
If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Sharpe at andrew.sharpe@csls,ca
Best Regards,
Andrew Sharpe and Bart van Ark
Conferences/workshops
The Doctoral School of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oradea, and Erasmus University Rotterdam invites you to participate on Thursday 27th May 2021 at 17.30 CET in the workshop World Database of Happiness: What it is and how to use
Presenter: Prof. dr. Ruut Veenhoven, Emeritus professor of social conditions for human happiness, Erasmus University Rotterdam The workshop will be organized within the International Online Conference of Doctoral and Post-doctoral Students in Social Sciences, Oradea, 27-28th May 2021 (https://sites.google.com/view/conferintasds2021).
To attend the workshop please register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvde6rqjwoGdUUEN0PZDvolNKsK9yXb38o.
The number of places is limited!
Sergiu Baltatescu
Dr. habil., Professor of Sociology
University of Oradea, Romania
www.sergiubaltatescu.info
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The International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS)
Address: ISQOLS P.O. Box 118 Gilbert, Arizona, 85299, USA
Email: office@isqols.org