THRESHOLD VALUES OF INDICATORS
The Social Well-Being Index is calculated as the arithmetic mean of six sub-indices of indicators:
SWI Index = (SCR Index + CMS Index + LE Index + HM Index + IC Index + SEO Index) / 6.
The threshold values are determined based on the maximum and minimum values of the corresponding indicator across countries and regions in the current stage of human development (since the beginning of the 21st century). In cases where negative indicators in some countries are extremely high and poorly verifiable (such as homicide mortality rates and income disparity between the first and tenth deciles of the population), the lower threshold value is set at twice the global average level.
| № | Indicator | Upper Threshold Value | Lower Threshold Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | IndicatorTotal Fertility Rate | Upper Threshold Value2,1 | Lower Threshold Value0,5 | Explanation2.1 – level of simple generational replacement; 0.5 – ultra-low reproduction level |
| 2. | IndicatorLife Expectancy at Birth | Upper Threshold Value85 years | Lower Threshold Value45 years | Explanation85 years – maximum level observed globally since the early 21st century; 45 years – minimum life expectancy recorded in some African countries in the early 21st century |
| 3. | IndicatorInfant Mortality Rate | Upper Threshold Value0 per 1000 births | Lower Threshold Value70 per 1000 births | Explanation0 – ideal zero infant mortality level; 70 – highest level observed globally since the early 21st century |
| 4. | IndicatorHomicide Mortality Rate | Upper Threshold Value0 per 100,000 people | Lower Threshold Value22 per 100,000 people | Explanation0 – ideal zero homicide mortality level; 22 – twice the global average level |
| 5. | IndicatorIncome Inequality | Upper Threshold Value4.7 times | Lower Threshold Value26 times | Explanation4.7 – minimum decile coefficient observed globally since the early 21st century; 26 – twice the global average level |
| 6. | IndicatorCoverage of Population with Full Secondary Education | Upper Threshold Value99% | Lower Threshold Value5% | Explanation99% – maximum possible coverage of children with full secondary education; 5% – lowest level observed globally since the early 21st century |
Explanation of Upper and Lower Threshold Values
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
An optimal value of 3 is considered ideal for most nations under modern conditions. However, considering overpopulation issues in some highly populated countries, a universal upper threshold of 2.1 is chosen, representing the level of simple population replacement. A lower threshold of 0.5 means ultra-low reproduction, where two women of childbearing age have only one child. Even with a high standard of living and technological development, nations with such a low TFR face rapid aging and a severe labor shortage.
Life Expectancy at Birth (LE)
A threshold of 85 years represents a stable level in the wealthiest countries and appears to be the current maximum for human populations. A minimum threshold of 45 years was recorded in some African nations in the early 21st century. Additionally, 45 years is considered the minimum necessary age for generational replacement, allowing for the transfer of knowledge and traditions, which is crucial for societal sustainability.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
A zero IMR is theoretically achievable with systematic efforts to eliminate the factors causing infant deaths. The lower threshold of 70 per 1000 births represents the highest IMR observed globally since the early 21st century.
Homicide Mortality Rate (HMR)
A zero homicide rate in peacetime is theoretically achievable through systematic efforts. The lower threshold of 22 per 100,000 people is set as twice the global average homicide mortality rate. Any country where the homicide mortality rate exceeds twice the global average receives a zero index.
Income Inequality
In the USSR and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) countries, the decile coefficient ranged between 3.5 and 4.5. A similar range of around 4.5 was observed in Scandinavian social-democratic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden). Since the late 20th century, with widespread economic liberalization, this indicator has increased globally. The lowest recorded decile coefficient in recent decades was in Belarus (4.7 times), which is taken as the upper threshold. The lower threshold is set at 26 times, representing twice the global average income disparity level. Any country where the decile coefficient exceeds twice the global average receives a zero index.
Coverage of Population with Full Secondary Education
The upper level of 99% is observed in several countries and is realistic, as a perfect 100% is unattainable due to health-related constraints preventing some children from completing secondary school. The lower threshold of 5% reflects the level recorded in the poorest African countries in the 2010s, where access to secondary education was at its lowest.