Social indicator

In Social and Political Sciences, a socioeconomic indicator is a measure, preferably statistical, associated with the state of a society. Generally, it is sought to act as a summary of a set of parameters or attributes of a company. He is employed in social research and management of social projects.

Definition

A social indicator is a summary measure, preferably statistical, referring to the quantity or magnitude of a set of parameters or attributes of a society. It allows to locate or classify the units of analysis (people, nations, companies, goods, etc.) with respect to the concept or set of variables that are being analyzed.

There are simple indicators and complex indicators. For example, the illiteracy rate and access to drinking water are simple social indicators, since they refer to attributes whose presence or level of quality can be verified simply and empirically. Different is the case of indicators such as social class or prestige, which require a more complex conceptual framework, as both are a theoretical construction and do not have a concrete empirical equivalence. In the composition of indicators there must be clear and precise concepts that do not require extensive mathematical or statistical development.

Indicators in social projects

The social indicators used in social projects based on a logical framework are specific, explicit and objectively verifiable measures that seek to account for the changes produced by the project, in other words, they allow specifying the way in which the degree of compliance will be verified. achievement of objectives and results.

The indicators used in social projects, especially if the logical framework is used, are usually quantitative, however it is possible to use qualitative indicators to obtain an approach to the project's achievements

These indicators are usually organized into three types: impact, effect, and compliance.

• Impact indicators: They measure the changes expected to be achieved at the end of the project, and even beyond its completion, and are defined in its Purpose u Overall objective.

• Effect indicators: They measure the changes that will occur during the implementation of the project. They associate with their Results u Specific objectives.

• Compliance indicators: Measuring the implementation of the targets activities of the project. Compliance with the time and budget programmed can also be quantified.

The impact and effect indicators correspond to the evaluation level, while the compliance indicators correspond to the monitoring level.

Indicators in social research

The sequence or life of an indicator begins by selecting one or several that represent what you want to investigate. For example, the indicators life expectancy at birth, illiteracy and standard of living (Gross Domestic Product) make it possible to estimate Human Development.

The process to define an indicator is as follows:

• Selecting a topic.
• Defining the problem.
• Checking the literature.
• Formulating a hypothesis.
• Selecting a method of research.
• Selecting a statistical program.
• Selecting indicators and indexes.
• Collecting secondary data (censals)
• Analyzing the results.
• Presenting the results.

Requirements of a good social indicator

Indicators must meet some criteria to ensure their validity. Some of them are the following:

• Precision:Indicators must be defined without ambiguity, so they can be measured and interpreted by anyone.
• Consistency:Indicators should be directly related to the topic or topics addressed by the project or study for which information is collected and not for another purpose.
• Specificity:Indicators should be defined in a way that clearly reflects the specific aspects that have been considered as a subject of study or research.
• Sensitivity:Indicators should be able to record changes in the status of the study object regardless of their intensity.
• Facility of collection:Indicators should be technically feasible to be collected through a relatively inexpensive and comfortable process for an experienced investigator.