In the classic terms, Development has always been associated with growth in production and consumption of goods. Development of nations was calculated on the basis of the gross national product or in per capita income. Assuming that it would have the trickle-down effect of growth would lead to an equitable sharing of benefits, resources and opportunities in society.
Many studies have shown that this method does not have the desired result on humanity. Countries with high GDP have large gaps between rich and poor people. On the other hand the countries with low levels of GDP income have lesser inequality by demonstrating that skillfully using the available means can expand basic human capabilities . High Income countries have not been able to protect the society from social concerns like drug addiction and alcoholism, AIDS, homelessness, violence and the breakdown of family relations. Hence there has been a change in perspective, economic growth is essential for humanity but it should be seen only as a means to improve human choices not the end.
People must be at the center for all development. Human choices shall include long life, knowledge, political freedom, personal security, community participation and guaranteed human rights. Concept of human development can be discussed in following ways:
a) Human Development
Human development is a process of analysing people’s choices. If essential choices are not available, many other opportunities remain inaccessible. Three essential ones (apart from food shelter and clothing) include:
- To lead a long and healthy life
- To acquire knowledge
- To have access to resources needed for a decent standard of living.
b) Concern Against Ruthless, Rootless, etc. Growth
Ruthless Growth has made the divide between poor and rich very large. This a concern against jobless, ruthless, voiceless, rootless and fortuneless growth. Resources required for future generations are being exploited by the current generation in the name of growth.
It’s a jobless growth for developing countries, the economy grew but not the opportunities. Millions of people have to work for long hours, for very low income, at low productive work in agriculture and other informal sectors. It’s a voiceless growth, it has not ensured democratic participation of people in decision making and has provided women a marginal role in the economy.
c) Development as Freedom
Development must be perceived as a vital process of expanding real freedom that people enjoy. Expansion of real income and economic growth are not necessarily characteristics of successful development as countries with high GDP and per capita income at times have low achievements in the quality of life. – Amartya Sen (1999). Development as freedom should be considered as primary means of development as it removes obstacles such as illiteracy, ill health, poverty, lack of access to resources or lack of civil and political freedom. Freedom in one type helps in advancing freedom of other types. To fully attain human potential, instrumental freedoms such as political freedom, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees and protective security shall be provided.