Human geography · Both

Development & Global Inequality

Development is multi-dimensional – income, health, education and quality of life. Single indicators can mislead.

Indicators

• GNI / GDP per capita • Life expectancy, infant mortality • Literacy / years of schooling • HDI (composite) • Limitations: averages hide inequality within countries

Closing the gap

Trade, aid, debt relief, investment, intermediate technology, tourism, and fair trade – each has advantages and criticisms. Globalisation creates opportunities and uneven outcomes.

Practice questions

1. Why use more than one development indicator?

2. Name two strategies to reduce the development gap.