Examine the problems of defining development.

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Geography Essay

28th Feb 2003

Question: Examine the problems of defining development (20 marks)

Development is very difficult to define as it has a wide range of meanings and has therefore been used in a variety of ways, by different people or organizations at different times.  For example, geographers will link development with improvements in human welfare e.g. greater wealth, better education and health.  Many geographers will measure development in terms of the countries HDI (Human Development Index).  However, on the other hand economists will link development to developed/developing economies and will use GNP (Gross National Product) and GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to measure it.  These are examples of two definitions of development, however it needs to be said that technological improvement and justice are also interrelated features which need to be considered.   This essay will detail will examine how development is defined and the relative inaccuracies which surround it.

Good, you define terms and introduce the purpose of the essay

As mentioned above, many economists use GNP or GDP to measure development. GNP maybe defined as the total value, or output of goods and services which a country produces which become available during a period of tie (usually a year) for consumption or saving plus foreign investments.  GNP is usually expressed per capita. Explain why and possibly give some examples of different countries.

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GNP does have its weakness because it does not take into account inequalities in income, it only states the national average. It does not take into account general costs of living, as well as regional variations.  A more realistic measure of differences would be to consider GNP converted at purchasing power parity rates.  These compare different GNPs using exchange rates which take account of differences in the cost of living.  However, adjusting GNP at purchasing power parity rates can significantly alter a country’s ranking in world GDP league tables.  For example, using PPP, Luxembourg is the world’s wealthiest nation, however ...

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