Chapter 1. Economic Equality and Human Development
1.1 Synopsis
Economic Equality and Human Development
Using an interactive world map and current data, this activity explores various nations’ GINI index, which measures economic equality in a given society.
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1.2 Economic Equality and Human Development
Human development is linked to economic development and equality around the world. The following map depicts a measure of economic equality in a given society, the GINI index. The GINI index measures how equal the distribution of wealth is. In a society with a GINI index of 0, everyone would have exactly the same amount of income. In a society with a GINI index of 100, one individual would have all the money. The map also shows the current life expectancy for many nations around the world. Notice that economic equality often seems to correlate with life expectancy—but not always.
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1.3 Economic Equality and Human Development
If how long a person lives depended on genes, then national inequality would be irrelevant. Yet, that is not the case. The correlation between the GINI and life expectancy is usually negative—more inequality leads to shorter lives.
1.
Compare two nations, one high and one low in the GINI. Suggest some possible reasons for the relationship between the GINI and life expectancy, including reasons relating to individuals (health habits, stress) and society (e.g., presence of institutions such as hospitals and schools). How would you test one or more of your hypotheses as a scientist might? Describe specifics of the data collection. (Click the back arrow to review the map before answering.)
1.4 Activity Completed!
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REFERENCES
The World Bank. (2015). Population estimates and projections: Fertility and mortality by country. Retrieved from: http://datatopics.worldbank.org/hnp/popestimates#