The GDP Dynamics and Quality of Life in Central and Eastern European Countries since Joining EU

Abstract

Purpose –Positive economic dynamics measured in annual GDP growth (particularly the GDP per capita) has been presented for a long time as asynonym of the successful socioeconomic development. Over last decade however the scientific literature, as well as civil society, have raised the questions whether this indicator is reliable in reflecting the social progress in countries and regions and evaluate the quality of life of their people. The purpose of the paper is to highlight this problem and to underline the need for new tools measuring and mapping the people ́s wellbeing.