Wellbeing Research in Developing Countries

Current Work on Wellbeing at Bath

The Centre for Development Studies at the University of Bath is a pioneer in the field of wellbeing and international development. The work that began with the ESRC-funded Wellbeing in Developing Countries Research Group continues today with an ongoing programme of high quality research by our staff, exciting teaching and training opportunities led by them, and regular publication of their research in international peer-reviewed journals and as books.

Our Approach to Wellbeing

What is Wellbeing?

Our approach to wellbeing considers what people have or do not have (material); what people do or cannot do with it (relational); what people think or feel (subjective).

Grounded in practical research in developing countries, we view wellbeing as a process rather than a state or an outcome, and that what people understand by wellbeing is context-specific.

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Why Wellbeing?

Wellbeing is increasingly recognised as the ultimate goal of community and development programmes and public policy.

This poses questions not only about what is good for individuals and communities, but also the nature of the good society.

Its distinctive orientation is positive, holistic and person-centred.

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Why Wellbeing in Developing Countries?

Considering wellbeing in developing countries is important because such countries - and especially poorer people within them - are particularly subject to being characterized negatively and in outsiders' terms.

Focusing on developing countries also brings to discussions of wellbeing greater awareness of the importance of context and politics.

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