Creating a model for assessing satisfaction with the quality of life: an econometric approach

The purpose of this study was to apply the author’s approach to assessing satisfaction with the quality of life of the population based on construction of a mathematical model. Modeling is carried out on the basis of econometric approaches using methods of weighted estimates and correlation analysis to take into account the impact of each of the parameters selected for the integral indicator of satisfaction with the quality of life of the population on the final assessment. The object of the study is population of a typical Russian city, the subject is self-assessment of the quality of life by the population. The empirical basis of the study was the data from the sociological study Taganrog-2014. The uniqueness of this study that it was implemented within the longitudinal project carried out by ISESP RAS since 1967, that it makes it possible to study socio-economic indicators characterizing the life of the population of one city in dynamics. Calculation of the integral indicator of satisfaction with the quality of life of the population showed that, taking into account the selected 7 indicators of satisfaction (Income, Work, Food, Housing, Health, Education, Marital status) and the calculated coefficients of paired correlation, it made 4.84 (on a ten-point scale). The model was tested and its adequacy was verified on the basis of several samples in the category of «Main occupation» (the integral indicator for employed people was 4.88, for working pensioners — 4.45, and for entrepreneurs — 5.02). The presented model is universal, since when constructing an integrated indicator, any number of parameters can be used, which the researcher wishes to analyze when calculating indicators of the quality of life of the population. The results obtained have both theoretical and practical significance for scientists, researchers and specialists engaged in assessing the quality of life of the population, as well as for government structures involved in solving social and economic issues.