Fuzzy Measures of Quality of Life: A Multidimensional and Comparative Approach

It is unanimously recognised in the literature that the concept of Quality of Life should be measured within a multidimensional framework, that is able to add to the information usually provided by indices based on economic variables. This paper proposes to adopt a new brand approach for the measurement of quality of life, which is based on the so called fuzzy set approach, and for the first time implement it in a comparative context. The empirical analysis is based on the third wave of European Quality of Life Survey, conducted in 2012 by Eurofound. The fuzzy set approach to Quality of Life measurement, results to be consistent when compared to the traditional approach defined by Eurofound; moreover, it results to also statistically robust. In conclusion, the fuzzy set approach provides quite significant added value for both data users and data analysts since it presents results which are easy to read, are concise, and it also facilitates comparison among dimensions.