Class 12 Geography – Chapter 4: Human Development
1. What is human development?
Answer:
Human development means enlarging people’s choices and improving their well-being. It includes access to health, education, a decent standard of living, and freedom to live with dignity.
2. Who introduced the concept of human development?
Answer:
Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq introduced it in 1990. Indian economist Amartya Sen supported it by emphasizing capability and freedom in human progress.
3. What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Answer:
HDI is a composite index measuring development based on three indicators: life expectancy (health), mean years of schooling (education), and per capita income (living standard).
4. Why is HDI better than income alone?
Answer:
Income shows only economic status. HDI includes health and education, offering a broader, more realistic view of human welfare and quality of life.
5. Name the four pillars of human development.
Answer:
The four pillars are Equity, Sustainability, Productivity, and Empowerment. Together, they support a balanced and inclusive approach to human progress.
6. What does ‘equity’ mean in human development?
Answer:
Equity ensures equal opportunities for all—irrespective of gender, caste, class, or location—to access education, healthcare, and jobs for a fair standard of living.
7. Define sustainability in the context of development.
Answer:
Sustainability means using resources wisely to meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs. It’s crucial for long-term well-being.
8. Explain productivity in human development.
Answer:
Productivity refers to the efficient use of human labor and skills. A healthy, educated workforce contributes more effectively to economic and social development.
9. What is empowerment?
Answer:
Empowerment means giving people freedom and ability to make choices, particularly through education, equal rights, and political participation.
10. What are the approaches to human development?
Answer:
The main approaches are:
- Income approach
- Welfare approach
- Basic needs approach
- Capability approach (most holistic and supported by Amartya Sen)
11. What is the welfare approach?
Answer:
It emphasizes providing basic needs like food, housing, and health through welfare programs, assuming these will lead to human development.
12. Describe the income approach.
Answer:
This approach sees income as the main indicator of development. It assumes higher income brings better health, education, and lifestyle—though this is often limited.
13. What is the capability approach?
Answer:
It focuses on enabling people to develop abilities and freedom to lead lives they value. It goes beyond income and welfare to emphasize choices.
14. How are countries categorized based on HDI?
Answer:
Countries are ranked as:
- Very High HDI
- High HDI
- Medium HDI
- Low HDI
Based on composite scores from UNDP.
15. Name some countries with very high HDI.
Answer:
Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, and Hong Kong are among the top countries with very high HDI due to strong education, healthcare, and income.
16. Why do some countries have low HDI despite rich resources?
Answer:
Lack of education, poor governance, inequality, and mismanagement of resources lead to low HDI even in resource-rich nations.
17. How does education affect human development?
Answer:
Education improves skills, employment, health awareness, and civic participation. It empowers people to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.
18. What role does health play in human development?
Answer:
Good health increases life expectancy, work capacity, and quality of life. It reduces poverty and improves overall productivity and happiness.
19. How does human development differ from economic development?
Answer:
Economic development focuses on income and growth. Human development includes health, education, and freedom—making it a more people-centered measure.
20. What is the relevance of human development today?
Answer:
In today’s world, inclusive development is key. HDI ensures growth reaches all, reduces inequality, and builds a just, healthy, and empowered society.