What is meant by development? What is the most common indicator used to compare the levels of development of different countries? Explain three demerits of using this indicator solely as a measure of development.

What is meant by development? What is the most common indicator used to compare the levels of development of different countries? Explain three demerits of using this indicator solely as a measure of development                

Ans. (1) Development refers to progress or improvement in lifestyle. It is a set of goals that includes income, equality, security, education, health, etc.

(2) Per Capita Income is the most common indicator used to compare the levels of development of different countries.

(3) Following are the three demerits of using this indicator solely as a measure of development :

 (i) Per Capita Income does not tell us how the income is distributed among the people.

 (ii) It hides disparities. Some may be very rich but the masses may be poor.

 (iii) Per Capita Income cannot be regarded as the sole indicator of development but other areas are also important like Life Expectancy, Infant Mortality Rate, Literacy Rate, pollution free environment, less corruption, gender equality, etc.