Quality of life is a key concept in IB Geography, particularly within the Human Development and Diversity unit. It refers to overall well-being and life satisfaction, going beyond income to include health, education, security, environment, and personal freedom. Quality of life is influenced by a wide range of social, economic, political, and environmental factors.
One of the most important factors influencing quality of life is health. Access to healthcare, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation strongly affects life expectancy and well-being. Countries with well-funded healthcare systems tend to have lower mortality rates and higher life expectancy. Poor health reduces people’s ability to work, learn, and participate fully in society, limiting overall development.
Education is another key factor. Education improves employment opportunities, income potential, and social mobility. Higher levels of education are linked to better health outcomes, lower fertility rates, and greater political participation. In IB Geography, education is often seen as a multiplier, as it improves quality of life across multiple dimensions.
Economic factors such as income and employment also play a major role. Stable employment and sufficient income allow people to meet basic needs, access services, and plan for the future. However, income alone does not guarantee a high quality of life. High living costs, job insecurity, and inequality can reduce well-being even in wealthy societies.
The environment strongly influences quality of life. Clean air, safe water, green spaces, and a stable climate contribute to physical and mental well-being. Environmental degradation, pollution, and exposure to natural hazards reduce quality of life and increase health risks. In many low-income communities, environmental problems disproportionately affect the poorest populations.
Social and political factors are also important. Personal safety, social support networks, equality, and freedom of expression contribute to life satisfaction. Societies with strong social cohesion and low levels of discrimination tend to have higher quality of life. Political stability and effective governance ensure access to services and protect individual rights.
In IB Geography, quality of life is often measured using both quantitative and qualitative indicators. While statistics such as life expectancy and income provide useful comparisons, people’s perceptions of happiness, security, and opportunity are equally important. This highlights that quality of life is subjective as well as measurable.
Overall, quality of life is shaped by a complex interaction of health, education, income, environment, and social conditions. Improving quality of life requires integrated development strategies rather than a narrow focus on economic growth.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand quality of life clearly by linking indicators, lived experience, and evaluation into confident, exam-ready responses.
