Social Progress Index 2024: Global Social Progress Recession

The Social Progress Index is an important tool, providing a lucid picture of global social progress and highlighting areas where nations need to improve. This year’s index, a prodigious collection of social and environmental data, offers a unique lens to evaluate the non-economic dimensions of social performance across the globe. We look at the key findings of the 2024 Social Progress Index, with a special focus on the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Global Social Progress Recession

For the first time since its inception, the world has witnessed an overall decline in social progress. This regression is marked by 61 countries experiencing a significant downturn in their social progress scores in 2023, with 77 more stagnating. This startling revelation indicates that four out of five people worldwide reside in countries where social progress is either static or deteriorating. The most notable declines were observed in health, access to information and communications, and rights and voice.

The Decline of the UK and US in Social Progress

The United Kingdom and the United States, two of the world's leading economies, have shown a concerning decline in their social progress rankings.

Spotlight on the UK

Once a consistent performer in the top tier of countries, the UK has experienced a steady decline in social progress since 2011, dropping to 21st place globally. This slide is highlighted in areas such as Rights & Voice, Inclusive Society, and Housing. The UK now ranks behind countries like Chile and Greece in terms of Rights & Voice and faces significant challenges in addressing discrimination and violence against minorities.

Spotlight on the US

The US, despite maintaining its economic prowess, has slipped ten places in the Social Progress Index since 2011. The nation struggles with issues in Safety, ranking 70th globally, and Health, where it stands behind nations like Greece and Malaysia. The decline in Rights & Voice and Inclusive Society reflects deep-rooted challenges in addressing discrimination and ensuring equitable access to resources.

Health and Equity in the US

The contrast between healthcare spending and health outcomes in the US is stark. Despite being a profitable sector, the US healthcare system ranks poorly in delivering equitable health outcomes. Areas like maternal mortality and access to quality healthcare remain significant concerns, with the US lagging behind many nations despite its substantial financial resources.

From Data to Impact

Hopefully, The Social Progress Index will be a catalyst for change. Governments, businesses, and civil society organizations worldwide are leveraging this tool to identify strengths and weaknesses, stimulate dialogue, and drive meaningful change. The index’s ability to compare social progress relative to a country’s economic development offers a more nuanced understanding of a nation's true progress.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Social Progress Index serves as a wake-up call for global leaders and policymakers. As the world grapples with economic uncertainties and social challenges, this index underscores the need for a balanced approach to development, one that values social progress as much as economic growth. As we move forward, it is imperative that countries learn from these insights and work collaboratively to address the underlying issues hindering social progress.

► For more detailed insights and to understand the broader implications of these findings, visit www.socialprogress.org.