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World Suffering and Quality of Life pp 293–304Cite as

Community Quality-of-Life Indicators to Avoid Tragedies

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Part of the book series: Social Indicators Research Series ((SINS,volume 56))

Abstract

This chapter explores what can be learned from community quality-of-life indicators regarding responses to community suffering and resilience. Foundational concepts drawing on studies about community quality of life indicators are presented, including explorations of responses to disaster and tragedy that incorporate community-based approaches. While it is challenging to integrate these approaches at the local level, it is important to explore given the potential they hold for more effective recovery from disasters and the alleviation of suffering. Community indicators, social capital, and community capacity are all ways to help build resilience and reduce suffering; this paper considers how communities have rebounded with these tools so as to help other individuals and societies in the future.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural Economics and Dean, Honors College, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906-4238, USA

    Rhonda Phillips (Professor)

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  1. Rhonda Phillips
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Correspondence to Rhonda Phillips .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Emeritus Faculty of Sociology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    Ronald E. Anderson

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Phillips, R. (2015). Community Quality-of-Life Indicators to Avoid Tragedies. In: Anderson, R. (eds) World Suffering and Quality of Life. Social Indicators Research Series, vol 56. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9670-5_22

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