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

The Human Development Index (HDI) measures inequality by taking into account three dimensions of human development: life expectancy, education, and income.

Firstly, in terms of life expectancy, the HDI considers the inequality in health outcomes by calculating the average life expectancy at birth for a given country. This indicator reflects the disparities in access to healthcare, nutrition, and overall well-being among different population groups within a country.

Secondly, in terms of education, the HDI measures inequality by assessing the average years of schooling and expected years of schooling for individuals aged 25 and above. This indicator captures the disparities in educational opportunities and access to quality education, which can significantly impact an individual's overall development and future prospects.

Lastly, in terms of income, the HDI measures inequality by considering the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity. This indicator reflects the disparities in income distribution within a country, highlighting the economic inequalities that exist among different income groups.

By incorporating these three dimensions, the HDI provides a comprehensive assessment of human development and allows for comparisons between countries. The index assigns a value between 0 and 1, with 1 representing the highest level of human development. A lower HDI value indicates higher levels of inequality and lower overall human development.