Editing Quality of life (section)

==In international development==
Quality of life has been deemed an important concept in the field of [[international development]] because it allows development to be analyzed on a measure that is generally accepted as more comprehensive than standard of living. Within [[development theory]], however, there are varying ideas concerning what constitutes desirable change for a particular society. The different ways that quality of life is defined by institutions, therefore, shape how these organizations work for its improvement as a whole.

Organisations such as the [[World Bank]], for example, declare a goal of "working for a world free of poverty",<ref>{{cite web | title = The World Bank | publisher = The World Bank | date = 2009 | url = http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTABOUTUS/Resources/wbgroupbrochure-en.pdf | access-date = 2 November 2010 | archive-date = 20 August 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110820085425/http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTABOUTUS/Resources/wbgroupbrochure-en.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref> with poverty defined as a lack of basic human needs, such as food, water, shelter, freedom, access to education, healthcare, or employment.<ref>{{cite web | title = Poverty - Overview | publisher = The World Bank | date = 2009 | url = http://go.worldbank.org/RQBDCTUXW0 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20070817032053/http://go.worldbank.org/RQBDCTUXW0 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 17 August 2007 | access-date = 20 October 2009 }}</ref> In other words, poverty is defined as a low quality of life. Using this definition, the World Bank works towards improving quality of life through the stated goal of lowering poverty and helping people afford a better quality of life.

Other organizations, however, may also work towards improved global quality of life using a slightly different definition and substantially different methods. Many [[NGO]]s do not focus at all on reducing poverty on a national or international scale, but rather attempt to improve the quality of life for individuals or communities. One example would be sponsorship programs that provide material aid for specific individuals. Although many organizations of this type may still talk about fighting poverty, the methods are significantly different.

Improving quality of life involves action not only by NGOs but also by [[government]]s. Global health has the potential to achieve greater political presence if governments were to incorporate aspects of human security into [[foreign policy]]. Stressing individuals' basic rights to health, food, shelter, and freedom addresses prominent inter-sectoral problems negatively impacting today's society, and may lead to greater action and resources. Integration of global health concerns into foreign policy may be hampered by approaches that are shaped by the overarching roles of defense and diplomacy.<ref>Spiegel and Huish. Canadian Foreign Aid for Global Health: Human Security Opportunity Lost.</ref>