Measuring development: indicators, GNP, HDI & MPI
Last lesson we learned what development means. Now we answer the natural next question: how do we actually measure it, so we can compare Namibia with Germany, or this year with last year? We meet the four types of indicators (economic, social, political and environmental), study GNP with its strengths and its weaknesses, build a clear MEDC-versus-LEDC comparison, and finish with two clever modern measures — the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Along the way we prove, with a simple sum, why an average can hide inequality — a lesson that matters a great deal in Namibia.
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Development Studies 1.1):
- Explain how environmental, social, political and economic indicators can be used to measure development
- Explain the usefulness and limitations of GNP (Gross National Product) as an indicator of development
- Describe the characteristics of countries at different levels of development (GNP, population growth, housing, jobs, diet, life expectancy, education and health)
- Explain how the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) are used as indicators to measure development
Miss Catherine and Mike talk through the whole topic — with the figure and working drawn live.