How does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure social inequality?

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure that assesses the overall development of a country by considering three dimensions: health, education, and income. While the HDI primarily focuses on measuring human development, it indirectly captures social inequality by incorporating indicators that reflect disparities within these dimensions.

Firstly, the HDI includes indicators related to health, such as life expectancy at birth. Life expectancy is influenced by various factors, including access to healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions. In societies with high levels of social inequality, certain groups may have limited access to healthcare facilities, leading to disparities in life expectancy. Therefore, differences in life expectancy among different social groups can indicate social inequality, and the HDI captures this aspect.

Secondly, the HDI incorporates educational indicators, such as mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling. Education is a crucial determinant of social mobility and opportunities. In societies with high social inequality, certain groups may face barriers to accessing quality education, resulting in disparities in educational attainment. By including educational indicators, the HDI indirectly measures social inequality by reflecting differences in educational opportunities and outcomes.

Lastly, the HDI considers income as a dimension of human development. While income alone does not capture the full extent of social inequality, it provides insights into economic disparities within a society. In societies with high social inequality, certain groups may experience limited economic opportunities, leading to income disparities. By including income indicators, such as Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, the HDI accounts for economic inequalities that can be indicative of social inequality.

Overall, the HDI indirectly measures social inequality by incorporating indicators related to health, education, and income. By considering these dimensions, the HDI provides a comprehensive assessment of human development while capturing disparities within society. However, it is important to note that the HDI does not provide a detailed analysis of specific social inequalities, such as gender or racial disparities, which may require additional measures and indices to fully understand and address.