Development - Class Notes

Social Science | Class 10

Prepared for Educational Reference

Development is a process that leads to improvements in the quality of life of people in a country.

This includes economic growth, better health and education, a cleaner environment, and more

opportunities and choices for everyone.

2. What is average income or per capita income?

Average income, also known as per capita income, represents the mean income earned per person

in a specific geographical area, typically a country, within a given period. It is calculated by dividing

the total national income by the total population.

Formula: Per Capita Income = Total National Income / Total Population

3. What is per capita income? Where is it used?

Per capita income is the average financial earning of each individual within a defined population in a

particular timeframe, usually a year.

Uses:

* It serves as a primary metric for inter-country comparisons of economic advancement, with higher

per capita income generally indicating a greater level of economic development.

* It provides a general indication of the average living standards within a nation. However, it is

crucial to recognize that this is an aggregate measure and does not reflect the distribution of

income.

4. What is literacy rate?

The literacy rate is defined as the proportion of the population aged seven years and above who

possess the ability to both read and write with a basic level of comprehension.

5. What may be development for one may not be development for another. Explain by giving an

example.
The concept of development is often context-dependent and can be perceived differently by various

stakeholders. An action or project considered developmental for one group may yield negative

consequences or be deemed undesirable by another. This arises due to differing needs, priorities,

and potential impacts.

Examples:

* Building a large dam: While providing enhanced irrigation for agricultural activities and generating

hydroelectric power (benefits for farmers and industries), it may lead to the displacement of local

communities and the submergence of their homes and agricultural lands (negative impact on

displaced populations).

* Establishment of an industrial unit in a rural area: This can stimulate economic activity and create

employment opportunities (benefits for factory owners and some local residents). However,

inadequate pollution control measures may result in environmental degradation and health issues

for the surrounding community (negative impact on local environment and health).

6. Besides income levels, several other crucial attributes are considered when comparing the

economic and social progress of different regions or nations. These encompass:

* General Well-being Indicators: Overall health status and access to basic amenities.

* Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): The number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live

births, indicating the quality of healthcare and nutritional levels.

* Literacy Rate: As previously defined, reflecting the level of educational attainment.

* Net Attendance Ratio: The percentage of children in the 6-14 age group who are attending school,

indicating access to and participation in education.

* Life Expectancy at Birth: The average number of years a newborn is expected to live, reflecting

overall health conditions and quality of life.

* Access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities: Essential for public health and hygiene.

7. Describe any 3 features of a developed country.

* Elevated Per Capita Income: These nations generally possess a high average income, signifying

a greater capacity for individuals to meet their needs and enjoy a higher standard of living.

* High Levels of Human Development: Evidenced by strong performance in the Human

Development Index (HDI), indicating better healthcare outcomes, higher educational attainment, and

greater life expectancy among their populations.

* Advanced Infrastructure: Developed countries usually have well-established and efficient

infrastructure, including transportation networks, communication systems, energy supply, and

access to essential services.

8. Write a note on HDI.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic developed by the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP) to assess the overall level of social and economic development in

countries.

* A Broader Measure of Progress: Unlike purely economic indicators, the HDI incorporates

dimensions of health, education, and living standards.

* Key Components: It is calculated based on three fundamental indicators: Life Expectancy at Birth,

Education (mean and expected years of schooling), and Gross National Income (GNI) per Capita.

* Categorization of Development: Based on their HDI values, countries are often categorized into

groups with very high, high, medium, and low human development.

10. How has the World Bank classified the countries? What are the limitations of this record?

The World Bank employs a system of classifying countries based on their per capita income (PCI),

which is the average income earned per person in a country in a year.

Classification (based on the World Bank's fiscal year 2024 thresholds):

* Low-income countries: These are economies with a per capita income of $1,135 or less.

* Lower-middle-income countries: This category includes countries with a per capita income ranging
from $1,136 to $4,465.

* Upper-middle-income countries: Nations in this group have a per capita income between $4,466

and $13,865.

* High-income countries: This classification is assigned to economies with a per capita income of

$13,866 or more.

Limitations of this classification:

* Limited Scope: The classification primarily considers economic output (income) and may not fully

reflect other critical aspects of development, such as health, education, and environmental quality.

* Ignores Income Distribution: As an average measure, per capita income does not reveal the

extent of income inequality within a country, potentially masking significant disparities in wealth and

well-being.