The future for perception-based indicators of sustainability

This chapter sets out some thoughts on how perception-based indicators fit into the sustainability indicator (SI) multiverse we see today. It makes the point that perception-based indicators are often seen as proxies to those SIs populated with data from instruments, records, etc., and seen as more reflecting “reality” than perception. The “self-reporting” type of indicator, where data are collected via people reporting their own behaviour and position, is open to some bias, as people’s perceptions of social norms and values could have an influence. While perception-based indicators are very much a small minority category in the SDG framework, comprising just 4% of the 247 SDG indicators, the chapter makes the case that these indicators should be seen as having a value that is greater than just being a stop-gap or proxy to be tolerated until something better comes along. Perception-based indicators capture aspects of our humanity that can sometimes be missing in sustainability—such as happiness, well-being, quality of life, a sense of security and place. It is unfortunate that they are sometimes seen as having little value in and of themselves, and they need to have a stronger presence in SI frameworks.