Chapter 1. Economic Equality and Human Development

1.1 Synopsis

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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Welcome

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.

Click the 'Get Started' button below to start this activity

A rice farmer is working in a field and transplanting paddy seedlings in ankle-deep water.

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1.2 Economic Equality and Human Development

The GINI Index

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.

Click on each country to see the GINI index and current life expectancy for that location.

Go to map

1.3 Economic Equality and Human Development

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 relates to shorter lives.

People walk along a crowded, narrow street that is lined with buildings on both sides.

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Question 1.1 Compare two nations, one high and one low in the GINI.

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Your answer should consider several hypotheses and suggest archived data, experiments, and/or surveys that include many participants and measures to ensure validity and control for bias.

1.4 Activity Completed!

Congratulations! You have completed this activity.

REFERENCES

The World Bank. (2015). Population estimates and projections: Fertility and mortality by country. Retrieved from: http://datatopics.worldbank.org/hnp/popestimates#