How does the Human Development Index (HDI) account for income mobility?

The Human Development Index (HDI) does not directly account for income mobility. HDI is a composite measure that takes into account three dimensions of human development: life expectancy, education, and income. It provides a snapshot of a country's overall development level based on these indicators.

Income mobility, on the other hand, refers to the ability of individuals or households to move up or down the income ladder over time. It reflects the level of economic opportunity and social mobility within a society.

While HDI does not explicitly incorporate income mobility, it indirectly captures some aspects of it through its income component. The income dimension of HDI is measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, which reflects the average income level in a country. Higher income levels generally indicate better economic opportunities and potential for upward mobility.

However, HDI does not provide a detailed analysis of income distribution or the extent of income mobility within a country. It does not account for factors such as income inequality, social mobility barriers, or the distribution of wealth. Therefore, HDI alone may not fully capture the dynamics of income mobility within a society.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of income mobility, additional measures such as income inequality indices, intergenerational mobility studies, or surveys on social mobility can be used in conjunction with HDI. These measures provide insights into the extent to which individuals can improve their economic status over time and the level of equality of opportunity within a society.