Abstract

Knox P. L. (1976). Social well-being and North Sea Oil: an application of subjective social indicators, Reg. Studies 10, 423–432. It is suggested that attitudinal surveys and measures of satisfaction should complement conventional social indicators, especially in circumstances where the sensitivity of conventional data is open to doubt. Such circumstances obtain in relation to Highland communities in general, and in particular to those affected by North Sea oil developments. The satisfactions, expectations and attitudes of two of these communities are reported in order to demonstrate the utility, problems and potential associated with subjective social indicators. Variations in attitudes are discussed and a basic model of life-satisfaction is presented.