Question

Define Human Development.

Hint:

Recall the UNDP idea: development is about expanding people's choices, not just income.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Human Development is a development approach (associated with Mahbub-ul-Haq and Amartya Sen, adopted by UNDP) that judges a country's progress not just by income, but by the real opportunities and freedoms available to its people.

Step 2: Formal Definition:
Human Development is the process of enlarging people's choices — the most critical being to lead a long and healthy life, to be educated, and to have access to resources needed for a decent standard of living — along with political freedom, guaranteed human rights, and self-respect.

Step 3: Measurement:
It is commonly measured through the Human Development Index (HDI), which combines indicators of health (life expectancy), education (literacy/schooling), and income (per-capita income).

Step 4: Final Answer:
Human Development means expanding people's choices and capabilities — especially for a long healthy life, education, and a decent standard of living — not merely raising national income.