IAS Y11 Revision - Development

Revision for Y11 Development

What is Development?

Development refers to the process of improving the standard of living, quality of life, and overall well-being of a population. It encompasses economic, social, political, and environmental progress.

Impact of being Landlocked versus being coastal

Landlocked countries often face higher transportation costs and limited access to global markets, hindering development compared to coastal nations.

Impact of climate on the prevalence of diseases

Climate affects the prevalence of diseases; for example, tropical climates may favor the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, impacting health and productivity.

Impact of having resources (Resource Curse)

The abundance of natural resources can paradoxically hinder development if not managed properly, leading to corruption, conflict, and lack of economic diversification.

Impact of being prone to natural disasters

Frequent natural disasters can destroy infrastructure, displace populations, and divert resources away from long-term development projects.

Impact of poor institutions

Poor institutions can impede development through political instability and lack of accountability.

Impact of being colonized

Colonization can significantly impede development through exploitation.

Impact of corruption

Corruption impedes development through lack of accountability.

Impact of culture and religion

Cultural or religious practices can significantly impede development through social barriers

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

The total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.

GNI (Gross National Income)

The total income earned by a country's residents, including income from abroad.

GNI per capita

A country's GNI divided by its population, representing the average income per person.

PPP (Purchasing Power Parity)

An adjustment to exchange rates to equalize the purchasing power of different currencies, making international comparisons more accurate.

Debate over economic indicators

Economic indicators primarily measure the means of development (economic growth), while non-economic indicators assess the goals (health, education, social well-being). Some indicators combine both aspects.

Non-economic measurements of development

Health (life expectancy, mortality rates), education (literacy rates, years of schooling), social (inequality, crime rates), political (stability, corruption levels), and environmental (pollution levels, resource depletion).

Concept of Means vs Goals

Economic wealth helps achieve improvements in health, education, social welfare, and environmental protection, but factors like social justice laws can enhance these aspects without direct economic wealth.

Infant and child mortality

Deaths of infants and children under 5 years old per 1,000 live births.

Life expectancy

The average number of years a newborn is expected to live.

Education

Average years of schooling and adult literacy rates.

Birth/Fertility rates

The number of live births per 1,000 women of childbearing age.

HDI (Human Development Index)

A composite index measuring health, education, and income.

GII (Gender Inequality Index)

Measures gender inequality in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market.

GEI (Gender Empowerment Measure)

Measurement of the gender gap examining the participation rate and opportunity available for Women.

Gini Coefficient

Measures income inequality within a population.

CPI (Corruption Perception Index)

Ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption.

HPI (Happy Planet Index)

Measurement of which countries ( and regions) and most effectively turning limited resources into long, happy and sustainable lives.

WHR (World Happiness Report)

A landmark survey that uses data from the past three years to measure the happiness of people in 156 countries.

Value and limitations of indicators

Single and composite indicators offer valuable insights into development levels, but they have limitations. Single indicators may oversimplify complex realities, while composite indicators may mask disparities and involve subjective weighting.

MEDC (More Economically Developed Country)

A country with a high level of economic development, advanced infrastructure, and high living standards.

LEDC (Less Economically Developed Country)

A country with a low level of economic development, limited infrastructure, and low living standards.

NIC (Newly Industrialized Country)

A country that has begun to develop its industrial sector and economy.

EE (Emerging Economy)

A country with rapidly growing economy and increasing significance in the global market.