What is one reason why the World Bank’s per capita income criterion fo...
The World Bank’s per capita income criterion has limitations because it does not account for income distribution. This means it may overlook significant disparities in income within a country, which can affect the overall well-being of its population despite a high average income.
Difficult Level
View all questions of this test
What is one reason why the World Bank’s per capita income criterion fo...
Limitations of the World Bank's Per Capita Income Criterion
The World Bank classifies countries based on their per capita income, which is the average income earned per person in a given country. While this metric provides a useful economic snapshot, it has significant limitations, particularly regarding income distribution.
Income Distribution Matters
- Unequal Wealth Distribution: Per capita income does not reflect how income is distributed among the population. A high average can mask severe inequalities—where a small fraction of the population holds a large share of the wealth, while many others live in poverty.
- Social Implications: In countries with high income inequality, the majority may struggle to meet basic needs, despite the overall economic growth reflected in per capita figures. This can lead to social unrest and a lack of access to essential services like education and healthcare.
Broader Economic Context
- Ignoring Poverty Levels: Focusing solely on per capita income can lead to a misunderstanding of the actual living conditions of citizens. Countries with high per capita income might still have significant portions of their population living below the poverty line.
- Policy Misguidance: Policymakers might prioritize economic growth strategies that do not benefit all citizens equally, leading to imbalanced development and social challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, while the World Bank's per capita income criterion provides a framework for economic classification, it fails to account for how income is distributed among the populace. This limitation highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes factors like income inequality and social welfare to accurately assess a country's development and well-being.
What is one reason why the World Bank’s per capita income criterion fo...
It can be A as well am I wrong?