Worksheet Solutions: Human Development | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Growth is a ____________ measure that can be positive or negative.
Ans: quantitative
Quantitative measures refer to numerical data indicating changes in size or amount, such as economic growth or population increase.

Q2: According to Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq, human development expands people's choices and improves their ____________ of life.
Ans: quality
Quality of life signifies the overall well-being and satisfaction experienced by individuals, encompassing various aspects like health, education, and standard of living.

Q3: The four components of human development are equity, sustainability, ____________, and empowerment.
Ans: productivity
Productivity involves enhancing the efficiency of human labor, contributing to economic growth and development within societies.

Q4: The capabilities approach to human development emphasizes building human capabilities in areas such as ____________, education, and access to resources.
Ans: health
The capabilities approach focuses on empowering individuals by providing them with essential skills, knowledge, and resources for a better quality of life.

Q5: The Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country's performance in ____________, education, and access to resources.
Ans: health
HDI assesses key dimensions of human well-being, reflecting a nation's efforts in providing basic necessities and opportunities to its citizens.

Q6: The human poverty index assesses the shortfall in ____________ development.
Ans: human
Human Poverty Index identifies and measures the deprivation in basic human capabilities, revealing areas where development interventions are crucial.

Q7: Bhutan measures progress using Gross National ____________ (GNH), which emphasizes non-material aspects of development.
Ans: Happiness
GNH focuses on holistic well-being, incorporating spiritual, cultural, and environmental values, not solely economic indicators, to assess a nation's progress.

Q8: Countries in the very high human development group invest significantly in their ____________ sectors.
Ans: social
Social sectors encompass healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, crucial for enhancing the overall quality of life and human development.

Q9: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been publishing the Human Development Report annually since ____________.
Ans: 1990
The Human Development Report provides a comprehensive analysis of global human development trends, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers.

Q10: The size of a country's territory and its per capita income are not necessarily indicative of its level of human ____________.
Ans: development
Human development involves multifaceted factors like education, healthcare, and societal well-being, making it more complex than mere geographical size or economic output.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Growth is always positive in value.
Reason: Growth involves qualitative changes that improve people's lives.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
Growth, as mentioned in the text, is a quantitative measure that can be either positive or negative. It is not always positive in value. The Reason provided is inaccurate because the text states that growth involves qualitative changes, which is not the case. Growth is primarily about quantitative changes in measures such as income, population, or other indicators.

Q2: Assertion: Empowerment means having the power to make choices.
Reason: Empowerment is only relevant for economically advantaged groups.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The Assertion is correct as empowerment indeed means having the power to make choices. However, the Reason is not entirely correct. Empowerment is relevant for all groups, especially for socially and economically disadvantaged groups, as mentioned in the text. It is not limited to economically advantaged groups.

Q3: Assertion: The income approach suggests that higher income levels correlate with higher levels of human development.
Reason: Higher income leads to better health and education.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the Assertion and Reason are accurate. The income approach does suggest that higher income levels are correlated with higher levels of human development, as mentioned in the text. Additionally, higher income can indeed lead to better access to health and education, which are critical components of human development.

Q4: Assertion: The minimum needs approach focuses on providing basic necessities such as health and education.
Reason: This approach includes fulfilling luxurious desires of individuals.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The Assertion is correct as the minimum needs approach does focus on providing basic necessities like health, education, food, water supply, sanitation, and housing, as mentioned in the text. The Reason is incorrect because this approach is about meeting essential needs, not fulfilling luxurious desires.

Q5: Assertion: Bhutan measures progress using Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of development.
Reason: GNH focuses only on economic factors.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The Assertion is correct, as Bhutan does indeed measure progress using Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of development, as mentioned in the text. However, the Reason is incorrect because GNH emphasizes non-material and qualitative aspects of development, considering spiritual and non-economic factors, in addition to economic factors.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Define growth.
Ans: Growth is a quantitative measure of change, neutral in value.

Q2: Who introduced the term "human development"?
Ans: Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq.

Q3: Name the four components of human development.
Ans: Equity, sustainability, productivity, and empowerment.

Q4: What does the capabilities approach emphasize?
Ans: Building human capabilities in health, education, and access to resources.

Q5: What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure?
Ans: Performance in health, education, and access to resources.

Q6: What does the human poverty index assess?
Ans: Shortfall in human development based on various factors.

Q7: Which country measures progress using Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
Ans: Bhutan.

Q8: What does sustainability in human development refer to?
Ans: Responsibly using environmental, financial, and human resources for future generations.

Q9: Which organization publishes the Human Development Report annually?
Ans: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Q10: Name one component of the minimum needs approach.
Ans: Health, education, food, water supply, sanitation, or housing.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the difference between growth and development.
Ans: Growth is a quantitative measure, neutral in value, while development involves qualitative, positive changes. Growth can be positive or negative, but development occurs only with positive growth.

Q2: Discuss the components of human development.
Ans:

• Equity: Providing equal access to opportunities.
• Sustainability: Responsible use of resources for future generations.
• Productivity: Enriching human labor productivity through innovation.
• Empowerment: Providing the power to make choices, especially for disadvantaged groups.

Q3: Describe the capabilities approach to human development.
Ans: The capabilities approach, by Amartya Sen, emphasizes building human capabilities in health, education, and access to resources. It focuses on expanding people's choices and freedoms.

Q4: Explain the Human Development Index (HDI) and its components.
Ans: HDI measures a country's performance in health, education, and access to resources. Health is assessed through life expectancy, education through literacy rate and gross enrolment ratio, and resources through purchasing power.

Q5: What does the human poverty index assess, and how is it calculated?
Ans: The human poverty index assesses the shortfall in human development based on factors like survival probability, illiteracy rates, lack of access to clean water, and underweight children. It provides a multidimensional view of poverty.

Q6: Why is empowerment important in human development?
Ans: Empowerment, providing the power to make choices, is crucial, especially for socially and economically disadvantaged groups. It enhances freedom and capabilities, ensuring equal opportunities.

Q7: Explain the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan's measurement of progress.
Ans: GNH emphasizes non-material and qualitative aspects of development, considering spiritual and non-economic factors. It offers a holistic view beyond economic indicators.

Q8: Discuss the factors considered in international comparisons of human development.
Ans: International comparisons consider human development scores rather than just territorial size or per capita income. Countries are categorized into very high, high, medium, and low human development groups based on their human development scores.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the role of equity in human development.
Ans: Equity plays a crucial role in human development as it ensures fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all individuals. In the context of human development, equity refers to the distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits in a way that minimizes disparities and promotes inclusive growth.

• Equity is essential because it allows individuals to reach their full potential and enjoy a higher quality of life. When equity is prioritized, it helps address inequalities based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and disability. By reducing these disparities, equity fosters social cohesion, reduces social unrest, and promotes sustainable development.
• In terms of education, equity ensures that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. This allows individuals to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge needed to participate fully in society and contribute to economic growth.
• Equity also plays a crucial role in healthcare. It ensures that everyone has access to affordable and quality healthcare services, irrespective of their income or social status. This helps reduce health inequalities and improve overall well-being.
• Furthermore, equity is vital for economic development. When resources and opportunities are distributed equitably, it promotes economic inclusion and reduces poverty. It allows marginalized groups to participate in the labor market, access credit and financial services, and benefit from economic growth.

Overall, equity is integral to human development as it ensures that no individual or group is left behind. It promotes social justice, equal opportunities, and inclusive growth, leading to a more sustainable and prosperous society.

Q2: Explain the concept of sustainability and its relevance in the context of human development.
Ans: Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing social, economic, and environmental factors to ensure long-term well-being and development.

• In the context of human development, sustainability is highly relevant as it aims to create a future where individuals can thrive in a healthy and prosperous environment. It recognizes the interdependence between human well-being and the health of the planet.
• Sustainability emphasizes the importance of preserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting environmentally friendly practices. By adopting sustainable practices, we can mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on the environment, such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
• Furthermore, sustainability also encompasses social and economic aspects. It involves promoting social equity, ensuring access to basic services such as education and healthcare, and reducing poverty and inequality. Sustainable development seeks to create inclusive societies where all individuals can participate in decision-making processes and enjoy a high quality of life.

In the context of human development, sustainability recognizes that economic growth alone is not sufficient. It highlights the need for development that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically viable. By integrating sustainability principles into policies and practices, we can create a future where human well-being is enhanced without compromising the well-being of future generations.

Q3: Compare and contrast the income approach and the capabilities approach to human development.
Ans: The income approach and the capabilities approach are two different frameworks used to assess human development. While both approaches aim to measure and enhance well-being, they differ in their focus and methodology.

• The income approach to human development primarily focuses on economic indicators, particularly per capita income or GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita. It measures the average income of individuals in a country or region and uses this as a proxy for overall well-being. The income approach assumes that higher income levels lead to improved living standards and greater opportunities for individuals.
• On the other hand, the capabilities approach, developed by economist Amartya Sen and philosopher Martha Nussbaum, takes a broader view of human development. It focuses on the capabilities and freedoms that individuals have to lead lives they value. The capabilities approach recognizes that well-being is not solely determined by income but also by the ability to access education, healthcare, political participation, and other essential capabilities.
• While the income approach primarily focuses on material wealth, the capabilities approach emphasizes the importance of non-material dimensions of well-being. It recognizes that individuals have diverse aspirations and values, and their well-being should not be solely measured by income but also by their freedom to live a life they have reason to value.
• Additionally, the income approach tends to focus on average income levels and does not capture inequalities within a society. The capabilities approach, in contrast, considers individual variations and emphasizes the importance of reducing disparities and promoting social justice.

In summary, the income approach primarily focuses on economic indicators like per capita income, while the capabilities approach takes a broader view of well-being and emphasizes individual freedoms and capabilities. The capabilities approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of human development, considering both material and non-material dimensions of well-being.

Q4: Explain the significance of the Human Development Index (HDI) in evaluating a country's progress.
Ans: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assess and compare the level of human development across countries. It takes into account three key dimensions of human development: health, education, and income.

• The significance of the HDI lies in its ability to provide a more comprehensive picture of a country's progress beyond traditional economic indicators such as GDP. It recognizes that human development is multidimensional and includes factors beyond income.
• Firstly, the HDI considers life expectancy at birth, which reflects the overall health status of a population. By including this indicator, the HDI acknowledges the importance of good health in human development. It recognizes that without good health, individuals cannot fully participate in society or achieve their potential.
• Secondly, the HDI incorporates measures of education, such as mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling. These indicators reflect the level of educational attainment and access to education within a country. Education is a fundamental aspect of human development as it empowers individuals, enhances their capabilities, and promotes socio-economic progress.
• Lastly, the HDI includes income indicators, such as Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. While income is not the sole determinant of human development, it is a crucial factor in improving living standards and providing individuals with the resources needed to lead a decent life.
• By combining these three dimensions into a single index, the HDI provides a comparative measure of human development across countries. It allows policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to identify areas of strength and areas that require improvement in a country's development agenda.
• The HDI also serves as a useful tool for monitoring progress over time. By comparing a country's HDI value from one period to another, it helps track changes in human development and assess the effectiveness of policies and interventions.

Overall, the HDI serves as a valuable tool in evaluating a country's progress by providing a more holistic and multidimensional perspective on human development. It goes beyond economic indicators and recognizes the importance of health, education, and income in shaping the well-being of individuals and societies.