Well-Being and Its Measurement

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on well-being and its measurement.

What is wealth?

The ability to access things needed to live happy, healthy, and contented lives.

What are the most important variables influencing levels of well-being?

Wealth, health, and education.

What does wealth refer to in the context of well-being?

Access to basic necessities of life determined by a degree of wealth and ability to earn a living.

What does health encompass in terms of community well-being?

The ability of a community to treat diseases, provide health care, and ensure access to clean essentials such as water and food.

What is the Human Development Index?

An index that ranks countries based on life expectancy at birth, GDP, and adult literacy.

What is the Happy Planet Index?

An index measured based on experience, well-being, life expectancy, and ecological footprint.

What unique factors does Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index consider?

Social development, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance.

What indicators are most commonly used to measure well-being?

GDP and literacy rates.

How is Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculated?

By adding the total value of all goods and services produced in a year.

What are some indicators of health used by geographers?

Life expectancy and infant mortality rates.

What are the greatest threats to good health?

Thirst and hunger.

What is life expectancy?

The average number of years a person can expect to live.

What does the infant mortality rate measure?

The proportion of children who die in their first years.

What educational barriers exist for children?

System barriers (lack of resources), attendance barriers (school fees, distance), and social barriers (language, conflict).

What are the five categories of factors affecting human well-being?

Environmental, social, economic, historic, and political.

What is a population pyramid?

A graph representing the age structure of a population with males on one side and females on the other.

What do the shapes of population pyramids indicate?

Trends in population growth, stability, or decline based on the width of the base and top.