A most interesting question.

Here are two articles, among the many, in terms of matters of marketing and QOL:

The first article is: Article Quality-of-Life (QOL) Marketing: Proposed Antecedents and Consequences

Here is another article that tends to give a different view from the above article

See Link: Article Sustainable Consumption and the Quality of Life: A Macromark...

Marketing plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life by connecting individuals with products, services, and experiences that fulfill their needs and aspirations. Firstly, through effective marketing, consumers gain awareness of innovative solutions and technologies designed to streamline daily tasks, saving time and effort. For instance, the promotion of smart home devices can simplify household chores, thereby enhancing convenience and freeing up leisure time.

Moreover, marketing facilitates access to essential goods and services, ensuring that individuals have access to healthcare, education, and other necessities. Through targeted campaigns, underserved communities can be informed about available resources, leading to improved health outcomes and socio-economic empowerment. Furthermore, marketing fosters a culture of innovation and competition, driving companies to continually improve their offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. This results in the development of higher quality products and services that enhance functionality, durability, and overall satisfaction for consumers.

Additionally, marketing campaigns often promote social causes and environmental sustainability, encouraging responsible consumption habits and fostering a sense of community engagement. By aligning with values and promoting ethical practices, marketing can inspire positive change and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society. In essence, marketing serves as a bridge between consumers and the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives, ultimately contributing to the improvement of overall quality of life.

Marketing is a culture accelerator. Think about the brands that have used trending concepts on platforms or in subcultures to gain visibility.

A great example in the context of improving the quality of life is the Ice Bucket Challenge. Marketing accelerated an idea that already existed in the culture(although not nearly as popular until after fuel was added) to bring to light a problem that needed to be addressed with research dollars.

Many other examples of where marketing has changed the way we interact with the world:

-Michelin Stars

-Red Bull Games

-Poor Richards Almanac

-Soap Operas

Many of these have been the precursor to changes in life and in culture, which in many cases end up being the core of the quality of life for that specific group of people.

While answering this question, we need to keep in mind that "quality of life" is subjective to the individual ( our unit of analysis). Quality is defined as "adherence to specifications". Going by this, a good quality life for an individual something that the individual has specified for herself.

Thus Marketing can improve quality of life in following ways

* For materialists : Gives opportunities for more possessions as they would feel good by possessing more

* For status seekers : By providing premium brands, for this is a yardstick for quality of life for them

* For idealists : Societal / Social marketing communications make one aware of social responsibility there by enabling desirable behaviors, ultimately making them feel good about themselves.

It depends on what kind of marketing are we talking about? Place marketing? Product marketing? Service marketing? Social marketing? etc.

Marketing it depends on your product on which group are you target on your marketing program

Dear Doctor

Go To

Quality-of-Life (QOL) Marketing: Proposed Antecedents and Consequences

• June 2004
• Journal of Macromarketing 24(1):44-58
• DOI: 10.1177/0276146704263922
• By Dong-Jin Lee, M. Joseph Sirgy

"Abstract

This article builds on a program of research in quality-of-life (QOL) marketing by reviewing the research literature dealing with this construct and proposing a set of antecedents and consequences of that construct. QOL marketing is defined as marketing practice designed to enhance the well-being of customers while preserving the well-being of the firm’s other stakeholders. The authors refer to the dimension pertaining to the enhancement of customer well-being as the beneficence component of QOL marketing, while the preservation of the well-being of the firm’s other stakeholders is referred to as the nonmaleficence component. The authors propose that the consequences of marketing beneficence and nonmaleficence are high levels of customer well-being, customer trust and commitment, and positive corporate image and company goodwill. They also propose that the beneficent and nonmaleficent components of QOL marketing are influenced by a set of environmental factors, organizational factors, and individual factors."

Marketing improves the economic aspect of the city, then services improve

Marketing often gets a bad rap as just a way to sell stuff, but it actually has a huge potential to make our lives better when done right. Think about it: marketing can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and educating people. Health campaigns that teach us about staying fit or mental health awareness are great examples. They go beyond just selling products and actually help people lead healthier lives. Similarly, marketing that promotes eco-friendly practices makes us more conscious about our planet and encourages us to make better choices.

Another cool thing about marketing is how it can make essential products and services more accessible. By reaching out to underserved communities, marketing can bring things like mobile banking or affordable healthcare solutions to people who really need them. This kind of outreach can uplift entire communities and improve their quality of life. Social marketing, which focuses on promoting the greater good, is another great example. Campaigns against drunk driving or smoking use marketing's persuasive power to create safer, healthier communities. And when companies market their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, it can inspire other businesses to follow suit, creating a positive ripple effect.

From a philosophical perspective, marketing’s potential to improve life can be seen through different ethical lenses. Utilitarianism, for example, is all about actions that promote the greatest good for the greatest number. Marketing campaigns that focus on public health, safety, and sustainability fit right into this idea because they aim to maximize overall happiness and well-being. Deontological ethics, which emphasize duty and moral principles, push for marketing practices rooted in honesty and fairness. This kind of ethical marketing respects people’s dignity and builds trust, making society more just. Then there’s virtue ethics, which focuses on cultivating good character traits like honesty, compassion, and responsibility. Marketing that promotes these virtues helps create a more virtuous society, which in turn makes life better for everyone.

Marketing also drives innovation and improvement. It creates competition, which leads to the development of new and better products, like advanced medical technologies or sustainable energy solutions. These innovations can significantly enhance our quality of life. Plus, the feedback loops in marketing help companies understand what consumers need and want, leading to better and more tailored services. Marketing local businesses supports local economies, creating jobs and fostering a sense of community. When brands engage in community marketing initiatives, they can strengthen social bonds and contribute to a collective sense of belonging.

So, when you think about it, marketing, when done ethically and thoughtfully, can be a real force for good. It can raise awareness, make essential services more accessible, drive positive social change, empower consumers, build communities, and spur innovation. Philosophical frameworks like utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics provide a solid foundation for understanding and guiding the ethical potential of marketing. This way, marketing can serve not just economic interests but also the broader goal of improving our lives.