Which one of the following scholars introduced the concept of Human De...
- The concept of human development was introduced by Pakistani economist Dr Mahbub-ul-Haq. Hence option 2 is correct.
- Dr Haq has described human development as development that enlarges people’s choices and improves their lives.
- He also created the Human Development Index in 1990.
- According to him, development is all about enlarging people’s choices to lead long, healthy lives with dignity.
- The United Nations Development Programme has used its concept of human development to publishing the Human Development Report annually since 1990.
Which one of the following scholars introduced the concept of Human De...
Introduction:
The concept of Human Development was introduced by Dr Mahbub ul Haq, making option B the correct answer. Dr Mahbub ul Haq was a Pakistani economist and international development expert who played a significant role in highlighting the importance of human development as a key measure of a country's progress.
Explanation:
What is Human Development?
Human development refers to the process of enlarging people's choices and freedoms to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. It focuses on improving people's well-being by addressing their basic needs, expanding opportunities, and enhancing capabilities.
Role of Dr Mahbub ul Haq:
Dr Mahbub ul Haq was a pioneer in the field of human development. He believed that traditional measures of development, such as GDP per capita, were inadequate as they did not capture the well-being of individuals. Therefore, he developed the Human Development Index (HDI) in collaboration with the economist Amartya Sen.
Human Development Index (HDI):
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure of human development that takes into account three dimensions: health, education, and standard of living. It is a more comprehensive measure than GDP per capita as it considers factors such as life expectancy, literacy rate, and gross enrollment ratio in addition to income. The HDI provides a broader picture of a country's development by focusing on the well-being of its people.
Impact and Legacy:
Dr Mahbub ul Haq's concept of human development and the HDI have had a significant impact on development discourse and policy-making. His work has influenced international organizations, governments, and scholars to shift their focus from economic growth alone to a more holistic approach that emphasizes human well-being. The HDI is now widely used as a measure of development, and it has helped to raise awareness about the importance of investing in health, education, and social welfare.
In conclusion, Dr Mahbub ul Haq introduced the concept of Human Development and developed the Human Development Index (HDI) to measure a country's progress beyond traditional economic indicators. His contributions have significantly influenced the field of development and have highlighted the importance of improving people's well-being and expanding their choices and freedoms.