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

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

Firstly, the HDI considers income inequality by examining the average income per person in a country. It takes into account the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, which reflects the overall economic well-being of a nation. However, the HDI also considers inequality within a country by factoring in the Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI), which adjusts the HDI based on income distribution.

Secondly, the HDI measures education inequality by considering the average years of schooling and expected years of schooling. The average years of schooling indicate the level of education attained by individuals in a country, while the expected years of schooling represent the number of years a child is expected to receive education in their lifetime. By including both indicators, the HDI captures the disparities in educational opportunities and achievements.

Lastly, the HDI incorporates life expectancy as a measure of health inequality. It considers the life expectancy at birth, which reflects the overall health conditions and access to healthcare in a country. By including this indicator, the HDI highlights the disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare services.

Overall, the HDI measures social inequality by considering income, education, and health dimensions, providing a comprehensive assessment of human development and highlighting the disparities within and between countries.