The author proposes that social indicators are basically a matter of values, of interest, of policies--hence of politics. Thus complementing the current focus on the structural and social-psychological aspects of measuring social change, we find here a statement and research approach relating social measurement to antecedent and consequent political considerations. It is also stated that all measures of the quality of life have implications for public policy and thereby may well have political impact. The author suggests that the frontiers of research be expanded so as to develop new "political indicators," to examine systematically the needs for and use of indicators, and to investigate the institutional arrangements for their production. The approach of this report is a mixture of discussion and research agenda. While assuming some previous acquaintance with the literature, a background and explanation to highlight specific political aspects of the topic are provided. In the first half of the study a framework for political research into the social indicators movement is considered; in the second half an agenda of suggestions for particular areas of research by social scientists is outlined. (Author/DEP)