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In this post, we explain Economics Chapter 1 – Development, where you’ll learn how to compare different countries and people in terms of development, and what development actually means beyond just income.


🌱 I. What is Development?

Development means progress or improvement in the quality of life. It is not the same for everyone.

Different People, Different Goals:

  • Rich people: Want better income, luxurious life

  • Poor people: Want food, employment, education

  • Women: May look for respect, security, equal treatment

  • Farmers: Want good prices, irrigation, support from government

Development is subjective – it differs from person to person.


📊 II. Income and Other Goals

People want more than just income:

Goal TypeExamples
MaterialBetter income, food, shelter
Non-MaterialFreedom, dignity, security, equality

👉 Development = Income + Quality of Life


💰 III. National Development

National development means improvement in the standard of living of people in a country.

But how do we compare countries?

Comparison Criteria:

  • Average income (per capita income): Total income ÷ Total population

  • Used by World Bank to rank countries


🌍 IV. World Bank Classification

According to the World Development Report:

CategoryPer Capita Income (USD, approx)
Rich CountriesMore than $13,845 (High-income)
Poor CountriesLess than $1,085 (Low-income)
IndiaMiddle-income (Developing Nation)

World Bank uses per capita income to compare, but it’s not the only measure of development.


⚖️ V. Limitations of Average Income

  • It hides inequality

  • Two countries may have the same average income, but different income distribution

Example:

  • Country A: Rich & poor have equal income

  • Country B: Few rich, many poor → Average same, but unfair

✅ That’s why other indicators are also needed.


📚 VI. Other Important Development Indicators

  1. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

    • Number of children who die before age 1 (per 1,000 births)

  2. Literacy Rate

    • Percentage of people who can read and write

  3. Net Attendance Ratio

    • Number of children attending school (age group 14–15)

  4. Life Expectancy

    • Average age people are expected to live

✅ These indicators help assess quality of life, not just income.


♻️ VII. Public Facilities

Some essential needs are met collectively by the government:

FacilityWhy Important
SchoolsEducation for all
HospitalsHealth care
Public TransportAffordable travel
Clean WaterPrevents disease

Income alone can’t buy these; they need government support and public investment.


🌍 VIII. Sustainability of Development

Sustainable Development means using resources wisely so future generations can also use them.

Example:

  • Overusing groundwater can cause water scarcity

  • Deforestation, pollution, and fossil fuel use cause long-term harm

✅ True development must be environment-friendly and future-focused


📚 IX. Key Terms

TermDefinition
DevelopmentImprovement in living standard
Per Capita IncomeAverage income of a person
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)Babies dying before age 1 (per 1000)
Sustainable DevelopmentDevelopment without harming future
Public FacilitiesBasic services provided by the government

📌 Summary

ConceptExplanation
Different Development GoalsVaries by person or group
Income and Non-Income GoalsBoth are important
Per Capita IncomeUsed for comparison
Other IndicatorsLiteracy, IMR, Life expectancy
SustainabilityImportant for long-term progress

✅ Development = Income + Education + Health + Security + Sustainability