Human development index (hdi) meaning (what is it, concept and definition)

What is the Human Development Index (HDI):

The Human Development Index (HDI) is an indicator used to measure the human development levels of the countries, in order to evaluate and expose the possibilities of economic growth and quality of life that exist in them.

This index was created by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and has been applied from 1990 to the present.

Since then, these studies in relation to the collection of data on human development have become increasingly important for this program. Recognized people from the academic sector, civil society and governments participate in the elaboration of this index.

Its main objective is to know the reality in which the individuals of each country live, this in order to develop sustainable projects in order to improve all those aspects that are decaying and that prevent the achievement of human well-being.

Measuring variables of the Human Development Index

The variables taken into account for the elaboration of the Human Development Index are:

• The life expectancy at birth and guarantees of salud.La good education, taking into account the adult literacy rate and level of education obtained, ie primary, secondary and higher education. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. Evaluates purchasing power taking into account people's access to economic resources to live in decent conditions.

The numerical values ​​that determine the Human Development Index range from 0 to 1. 0 is the lowest score, and 1 is the highest, which makes it possible to determine three groups as follows:

• Countries with High Human Development: the HDI is higher than 0.80. Countries with Medium Human Development: the HDI is between 0.50 and 0.80. Countries with Low Human Development: the HDI is less than 0.50.

For example, taking into account the data produced by the Human Development Index, it is possible to determine where food, educational or health aid should be directed in a country or region, in the hope of improving people's lives and reducing inequalities.

It also serves to assess how the performance of these plans and public policies has been in each country from one year to the next, since the data obtained shows information that allows us to know if people's quality of life has improved, what is missing to do and why.

Objectives of the Human Development Index

The main objectives of preparing the Human Development Index are:

• To expose the possibilities of economic growth that societies have. To develop measurement and analysis instruments to obtain better search results for data on human development. To publicize the plans that are formulated in each country to achieve economic growth and improve well-being. Social. Based on the results, enable the creation of new policies in relation to the needs presented. Promote research on social, economic, cultural and political issues.

See also:

• Human development.Development.