Comprehensive Guide to Development, Sustainability, and Global Inequalities

Development

The process of improving quality of life, economic well-being, and freedoms within a society.

Political development

The development of the political and social institutions that form the political system of a society.

Social/human development

Improvements in health, education, and overall human well-being.

Institutional development

Strengthening effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of institutions.

Economic development

Growth in income, productivity, and economic diversification.

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Environmental sustainability

Protection of ecosystems and natural resources.

Social sustainability

Maintaining stable, inclusive societies with equity and cohesion.

Economic sustainability

Long-term economic growth without causing instability or depletion of resources.

Poverty

Lack of resources necessary for a minimum standard of living.

Absolute poverty

Living below a fixed income threshold (e.g., $2.15/day).

Relative poverty

Poverty defined relative to societal standards.

Poverty trap

Cycle where poverty perpetuates itself due to lack of resources/opportunity.

Inequality

Uneven distribution of wealth, power, or opportunities.

Economic inequality

Unequal income/wealth distribution.

Political inequality

Unequal access to political power or representation.

Social inequality

Unequal access to social goods (education, healthcare).

Power asymmetries

Unequal power relations between actors.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Provides humanitarian protection in conflict zones.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Delivers emergency medical aid globally.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Provides aid and resettlement support.

World Bank

Funds development projects.

International Monetary Fund

Provides financial assistance and economic policy advice.

Global trade networks

Interconnected systems of international trade.

Gross domestic product (GDP)

Total value of goods/services produced.

Gini coefficient

Measure of income inequality (0-1).

Human Development Index (HDI)

Composite measure of life expectancy, education, income.

Happy Planet Index

Measures well-being and sustainability.

Social Progress Indicators (SPI)

Measures social outcomes beyond GDP.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

Measures poverty across multiple deprivations.

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

Ranks perceived corruption.

Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

Measures environmental health and ecosystem vitality.

Sustainable Society Index (SSI)

Measures sustainability across human, environmental, economic aspects.

Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGIs)

Evaluate governance effectiveness in OECD countries.

Global North

Wealthy, industrialized countries.

Global South

Less developed, lower-income countries.

Modernization theory

Development occurs through adopting Western models.

Dependency theory (neo-Marxism)

Global South is exploited by Global North.

Neoliberalism

Free markets, privatization, limited state intervention.

Capabilities approach

Focus on expanding human freedoms and choices.

Resource endowment

Natural resource availability influencing development.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

17 global goals for development by 2030.

Globalization

Increasing interconnectedness of economies and societies.

Sustainable development

Balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

Degrowth

Reducing production/consumption to protect environment.

Regenerative development

Restoring and enhancing ecosystems alongside development.