Seven connected dimensions
Quantifying culture’s role in development processes is a conceptual minefield, as the Analytical Framework outlines. With this in mind, the Culture for Development Indicator Suite seeks to identify the relationships between different dimensions related to culture and examine them for the first time within the framework of a particular thematic question: culture and development.
To this end, the Culture for Development Indicator Suite looks at seven policy areas, called “dimensions”. These dimensions are illustrated by one to four sub-dimensions, which focus on a particular angle of the dimension in order to help elucidate its role in development processes. Each sub-dimension is in turn represented by at least one indicator.
Most of the indicators suggested are based on existing data or can be easily derived from national sources. The Suite intentionally focuses on such national sources as they are often the most relevant, accurate and up-to-date.
A distinguishing feature of the Indicator Suite is to facilitate a joint reading of these dimensions within the particular thematic framework of culture and development in order to bring out new meanings and nuances – that may have future policy implications. The underlying hypothesis of the Indicator Suite is that such an innovative approach, along with a specific standard methodology provided by UNESCO, will open new perspectives for demonstrating and highlighting the links between culture and development.
The following table recapitulates the dimensions and sub-dimensions addressed:
Dimensions | Sub-dimensions |
Economy | 1. Added value of cultural activities to GDP |
Education | 1. Complete, fair and inclusive education for all |
Heritage | 1. Promotion and valorization of heritage |
Communication | 1. Freedom of Expression |
Governance and Institutionality | 1. Standard-setting framework for culture |
Social Participation | 1. Participation in cultural activities |
Gender Equality | 1. Levels of gender equality |
