This paper provides the rationale for the Ministry of Social Development's
living standards research programme by describing the distinctive features of the Economic
Living Standards Index (ELSI), the measure of
living standards that provides the basis for the research.
* civil society is non-existent, and
living standards are equivalent to those of Haiti;
The chain reaction becomes vicious--an aging population will lower the return on capital, which will lower the capital stock and lower
living standards, all else being equal.
Even though the authors, in their new introduction, seem to see improvements in the
living standards and economic and educational opportunities of the Spokane, the tale, overall, is a sad one.
While those of a neoliberal persuasion believe that globalization is fostering trade and economic growth and raising
living standards for people in many parts of the world, globalization's critics contend that these improvements are concentrated in a relatively few countries and, to make matters worse, are being accompanied by declining standards of living for people in other parts of the world.
Rising
living standards are spurring major growth for tissue products in developing areas, such as Asia and Europe, while tissue manufacturers seek growth in developed regions with value-added products.
There has been a debate ever since between those who say minimum-wage hikes hurt job creation, particularly for the young and unskilled, and those who see it as a guarantee of basic
living standards for workers.
The answer to the question for the CEOs of United Technologies, Caterpillar, Freddie Mac, International Paper and other major companies was that, yes, there is going to be a narrowing of the gap in incomes and
living standards between the U.S.
It is a powerful force for raising
living standards around the globe.
"I have not met anyone," Diamond writes, "who seriously argues that the world could support 12 times its current impact, although an increase of that factor would result from all Third World inhabitants adopting first world
living standards." But increasing human numbers and wealth do not translate automatically into more impact on the natural world.
Touted as an example of the benefits of trade liberalization, it aims to bring economic growth and to increase the
living standards of people in the three countries.)
The trick, say the authors, will be to "drive a rapid process of technology 'leapfrogging' " so these countries can improve their
living standards without suffocating us all in carbon dioxide.