Oxfam has worked to tackle poverty in Scotland since 1996 (although we worked on international poverty for many years prior to that). Through its work with communities and individuals experiencing poverty it is clear to Oxfam that economic growth, regeneration, and anti-poverty policies are not having a sufficient impact on reducing poverty, and have largely been premised on economic growth, especially consumption-based activities.

This type of economic development, based around consumption, intensifies anxiety for those who cannot consume – who either fall deeper into debt in an attempt to participate, or find themselves marginalised and feeling inadequate.

In creating the Humankind Index Oxfam wants to encourage policies that will best serve the people of Scotland, not simply policies that try to advance economic growth regardless of the cost on communities or on our environment. We hope the Humankind Index will remind policy makers that the economy should serve the people, not the other way around.

Finally, evidence shows us that once people have enough to meet their basic needs and are able to survive with reasonable comfort, higher levels of consumption or income do not lead to higher life satisfaction or greater wellbeing. Oxfam hopes that as the ethos of the Humankind Index catches on and policies are enacted that reflect its components, the stress and anxiety associated with living on a low income in a society that seems to judge each other according to status and material possessions will be reduced.

This will happen by moving public perceptions away from consumption as key to individual success and value, and by reducing anxiety over status.

In order to develop the Humankind Index, Oxfam are looking for people, like us, to complete a survey on what we think the Humankind Index should measure.  Everyone who completes the survey will also be in with the chance of winning a £50 M&S voucher.

To complete the survey, go here

To find out more about the Humankind Index see the attachment or visit here