GNP vs HDI

Your textbook "Introduction to Human Development" deals with the basic concepts

Conventional DATA on Growth is available from PENN Tables: [link]

World Bank database WDI -- World Development Indicators -- gives extensive data on all relevant variables.

Assignment for group: Additional Readings are given below: Group should prepare a presentation on suitable material selected from below:

Many critiques have been made of the concept of GNP per capita as a measure of the level of development of a nation. The Human Development Index is an alternative which was initiated by our own Mahbubul-Haq. Amartya Sen has initiated a new approach starting with his book "Development As Freedom" --- this is called the capabilities approach. Your text focusses on some of the issues that come into discussion in this debate. Students who wish to do research in this area will need to do more extensive readings. Some of the suggested readings are:

  1. "From Economic Growth To Human Development: The Journey With Dr. Mahbub ul Haq" by Faisal Bari, see attachment HAQ3.1 below

  2. An Overview of Development Studies: Background Paper Emmanuel Nkurunziza

Oxford Website has lots of additonal information: Group should watch the videos and read the material below:

Introduction to the Capability Approach and Choice of Dimensions (Sabina Alkire)

Presentation

Video:Part 1 Part 2

    • History and Motivation

    • Terms: Capabilities, Functionings, Agency, Collective Action

    • Implications for economics

    • Issues for measurement

    • Choice of Dimensions

Elementary and Easy Expositions of the Basic Ideas:

  1. Global Economy Module - Lesson 1 - Page 2 - What is the Global ...

    1. There are other ways to compare quality of life in different places that take into ... Do you think mapping GNP per capita or HDI is enough to assess the ...

  1. www.aag.org/Education/center/cgge.../lesson1_page2.htmll

  2. [PPT] Capability Measurement in Survey Design

      1. The report showed a small increase in world HDI in comparison with last .... means that a country of immortals with infinite per-capita GDP would get a ...

        1. List of countries by Human ... - File - Simple English

      2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index