Abstract:

Globalization and rapid change in technology have significantly changed living conditions. Using only income for the measurement of welfare was insufficient. This circumstance has prompted studies to develop welfare measuring methods. New indexes have been developed to measure welfare that take into account both economic and social factors. The Better Life Index (BLI) is one of these indexes, which was created by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to measure welfare. BLI has a multidimensional approach to welfare measurement and comparison. This study aims to explain the new welfare measurement criteria of BLI within the context of the conceptual framework created for the measurement of welfare and compare Turkey and OECD countries. In the study, comparisons were made within the framework of 11 criteria created by BLI. In addition, the income criterion and the household disposable income criterion, which is its sub-indicator, were examined based on the index. As a result of the study, it was determined that it would be more accurate for countries to take disposable income as a basis for measuring welfare. In the study, it is seen that there is a relationship between direct taxes, which is an element of disposable income, and welfare in Turkey and other OECD countries.

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