Human Development Indicators and Poverty

A measure of a country's overall development, combining factors like education, health, and income.

The idea that the value of each additional unit of something (like income or consumption) decreases as you have more of it.

The HDI uses a logarithmic scale for income to account for the diminishing value of income as it increases. So, a large difference in income between two countries contributes less to the HDI than a similar difference between two poorer countries.

The percentage of women enrolled in education compared to the percentage of men enrolled. A higher percentage of women indicates greater gender equality in education.

The rate at which girls die compared to boys, often due to factors like neglect or access to healthcare. A lower rate indicates greater gender equality in survival.

Financial aid provided by one country to another. It can be used to support development initiatives.

The use of NGOs like BRAC and Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, which have been effective in promoting women's empowerment and socioeconomic development.

A situation where elites, or the wealthy, see the most benefits from foreign aid, often at the expense of the poor. This can be a problem in countries with poor governance and corruption.

A governance model where a small elite group, often including the military and bureaucracy, holds significant power with limited checks and balances, prioritizing their own interests over the needs of the majority.

A system where legal decisions are based on established precedents and past court rulings, rather than codified laws.

A measure that reflects the combined impact of poverty on various aspects of life, including health, education, and living standards.

The practice of governing a territory through local officials and institutions, while respecting their existing traditions and structures.

The practice of governing a territory directly by imposing the colonial administration's systems and structures.

The degree to which a population is divided into distinct ethnic, linguistic, or cultural groups.

The practice of using ethnic divisions to manipulate and exploit the population for political gain.

A situation where the military exerts significant influence over government policies and decisions.

The degree to which resources and opportunities are distributed unevenly within a society.

The ability of a country to maintain political stability and avoid major disruptions like civil wars or coups.

The process of transition from a military-dominated regime to a civilian-led government.

The ability of a country's citizens to freely express their opinions, participate in political activities, and hold their leaders accountable.

The rate at which a country's poverty levels decline over time.

The gap between the level of development achieved by a country and the level predicted based on its income.

A measure of a country's income level that takes into account the cost of living in different countries. It adjusts for price differences, providing a more realistic comparison of the purchasing power of income across countries.

The difference in income between rich and poor countries seems smaller when measured using PPP because it considers the varying prices of goods and services in different countries. For example, a dollar in a developing country might buy more goods and services than a dollar in a developed country.

A method of measuring poverty by setting a minimum income threshold, below which people are considered to be living in poverty. This threshold is usually based on the cost of essential goods and services.

A method of measuring poverty by comparing a person's income to the average income in their country. People who earn significantly less than the average are considered to be living in relative poverty.

The study of how to improve the well-being of people in developing countries, considering not just economic factors but also social, political, and institutional aspects.

A situation where a country's economy grows but the benefits mainly go to a small elite, leaving the majority of the population poor. This can happen when growth is not inclusive or sustainable.

The argument that helping low-income countries develop is in the best interests of high-income countries because it creates stable trade partners, reduces migration pressures, and helps address global challenges like climate change.

This concept emphasizes that development is about enhancing people's capabilities to live fulfilling lives, not just about increasing income. It looks beyond material wealth to consider factors like health, education, and freedom.

Happiness is not just about money, but also about social factors, freedom, and self-esteem. Development strategies should consider not just economic growth, but also social well-being.

Road infrastructure can significantly impact development by improving access to markets, education, healthcare and other services. Good roads can help lift communities out of poverty by enabling economic activity and social inclusion.

Bangladesh has focused on social development, especially women's empowerment and education, with strong NGOs like BRAC and Grameen Bank playing a key role in poverty reduction. Pakistan, on the other hand, has prioritized economic growth favoring elites, with limited investment in social sectors.

Low income can create a vicious cycle of poverty where people cannot save, leading to low investment, low productivity, and poor health and education, perpetuating low income.

Many developing countries face similar challenges despite their diverse contexts. These include widespread poverty, inequality, weak institutions, and limited access to resources.

Growth that benefits all members of society, not just a small group. It means reducing inequality, promoting access to education and healthcare, and creating opportunities for everyone.

A situation where a country's income is unevenly distributed, with a small group having a disproportionate share of wealth. This can lead to social unrest and hinder development.

The ability of individuals to make choices and participate in society, such as accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

This refers to situations where extreme disparity in wealth or income exists, often leading to significant social challenges and potentially even instability and conflict.

A range of factors, including the legal system, administrative structures, and relationships with former colonial powers, that can significantly influence a country's development trajectory.

Investment in education, health, and other social services, often aimed at improving the well-being of the population. This can contribute to long-term development by boosting productivity and human capital.