As researchers focused on consumer well-being, we’re always on the lookout for new insights that can deepen our understanding of what truly shapes people’s lives. A growing body of research is now exploring well-being beyond traditional economic measures like GDP, considering factors that reflect a more holistic view of American life. One particularly intriguing study examines how individuals' influence—or lack thereof—on political decisions can play a critical role in overall well-being. In this post, we highlight this emerging research and its potential implications for both policymakers and consumers alike.
The CORE Score, introduced by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in November 2023, presents a new way to measure American well-being beyond traditional economic indicators like GDP or stock market performance. Developed by the Academy’s Commission on Reimagining Our Economy (CORE), the CORE Score evaluates well-being at the county level across four key categories: economic security, economic opportunity, health, and political voice.
This comprehensive approach distinguishes the CORE Score from prior metrics by focusing on the holistic well-being of individuals rather than solely on economic growth. By analyzing 11 indicators within these categories, the CORE Score provides insights into how Americans are faring in various aspects of life, including access to basic resources, opportunities for advancement, health status, and the ability to influence political decisions.
The CORE Score enables users to track changes in well-being over time and to identify disparities based on income, race, ethnicity, age, gender, and education. This tool aims to offer lawmakers, journalists, and scholars an alternative perspective on measuring the economy, emphasizing the importance of understanding community well-being.
The introduction of the CORE Score has garnered attention from various media outlets. Bloomberg reported on the U.S. economy’s performance according to this new index, highlighting areas where the nation excels and where it faces challenges. Similarly, WGBH discussed how the CORE Score provides a new way to measure and compare Americans’ economic well-being, offering a more nuanced understanding of the nation’s prosperity.
The introduction of the CORE Score has garnered attention from various media outlets. Bloomberg reported on the U.S. economy’s performance according to this new index, highlighting areas where the nation excels and where it faces challenges. Similarly, WGBH discussed how the CORE Score provides a new way to measure and compare Americans’ economic well-being, offering a more nuanced understanding of the nation’s prosperity.
By shifting the focus from traditional economic metrics to a more inclusive assessment of well-being, the CORE Score represents a significant advancement in understanding and improving the quality of life for all Americans.