Wellbeing in Place

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Abstract

Well-being is a fluid concept that is place and time dependent, and defies specific definition. As such, various attempts have been made to conceptualize it based on specific philosophical foundations. This article discusses the different theoretical foundations of well-being research, including utilitarianism, human needs perspective, and the capabilities approach. The article also highlights the role of place in shaping well-being and the rationale for societal and national well-being assessments. We conclude by suggesting that future well-being research gazes toward a global well-being index that is reflective of indicators that are important both in the Global South and Global North.

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Elizabeth is a QEScholar pursuing a PhD in Health Geography in the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. In her current training, Elizabeth is working on the Global Index of Wellbeing (GLOWING) project with a focus on population health and well-being indicators that matter in LMICs. Elizabeth holds a master's degree in epidemiology and population health of Maseno University and a bachelor's degree in environmental science of Kenyatta University, both in Kenya. As a development worker, Elizabeth has a wealth of knowledge and experience in projects design, implementation of projects that target vulnerable groups, as well as teaching experience at various universities in Kenya. Her research interests include population health and well-being research in the Global South with a focus on gender-based violence, water, sanitation and hygiene issues, maternal and child health issues, and environmental health issues. Besides, Elizabeth is a community worker, and she does community service as a hobby and a way of giving back to her society.

Joseph Kangmennaang is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at Waterloo University. He obtained his first degree in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Ghana, Legon, and his Masters in Geography from Western University. His broad research interest includes the areas of population health and well-being, well-being inequalities, and food security in sub-Saharan Africa and in other poor resource settings.

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