Origins of Disparities

AIM: Explain disparities and inequities that occur within

countries

Economic Indicators

-Indicators of economic development highlight global in equalities between countries very effectively….

But…

What about within countries?

Within Countries Differences in development tend to be

based on Location Ethnicity Gender

Because of this, the difference between regions and districts country can usually be quantified by using composite or quantitative indicators such as the HPI (Human Poverty Index)

What is the HPI?

Measures standard of living Divided into Two versions

HPI-1 –Developing Countries HPI-2 –Industrialized Countries

How does it compare to the other composite indicators?

Indicator Longevity Knowledge Decent Standard of Living

HDI Life expectancy at birth

1. Adult literacy rate

2. Combined school enrolment ratio

Adjusted per capita income in PPP$

Adjusted per capita income in PPP$ based on female and male earned income

GDI Female and male life expectancy at birth

1.Female and Male literacy rates

2. Female and male combined school enrolment ratios

Adjusted per capita income in PPP$ based on female and male earned income

HPI-1 Percentage of people not expected to survive to age 40

Adult literacy rate Percentage of people without access to safe water

Percentage of people without access to health services

Percentage of underweight children under 5

HPI-2 Percentage of people not expected to survive to age 60

Adult Functional illiteracy rate

Percentage of people living below the income poverty line (50% of median disposable income)

For example:

Using HPI-1 you will find that human deprivation is much higher in Bihar (Northeastern India where the HPI-1 is 54%) than in Kerala, a state in south India where the HPI-1 is only 23%.

Could the Internet be used as a indicator?

Why? Access to information and education

South Africa – Average internet users earns 7 times the national average income.

Latin America- 90% of internet users are in the upper income group.

Furthermore….

Internet users tend to be those with higher education Internet Users with at least 1 UNI

degree: Globally-30% U.K.- 50% China – 60% Irleand-70%

Rural and Urban

In LEDCs significant differences arise between Urban and Rural areas. But why?

Answer: cities are usually the first to receive investment and improvements.

In LEDCs, this is pity because most of the people live in rural villages and farming areas- Thus the gap widens

Why else do disparities arise within countries?

Read page 24 in Study Guide notes