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

The Human Development Index (HDI) does not directly measure social mobility. Instead, it focuses on measuring the overall development and well-being of individuals within a country. The HDI is a composite index that takes into account three dimensions of human development: life expectancy at birth, education level (measured by mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling), and income per capita.

While the HDI does not directly measure social mobility, it indirectly reflects the potential for social mobility within a country. Higher levels of education and income per capita, as captured by the HDI, are often associated with greater opportunities for individuals to improve their social and economic status. For example, countries with higher HDI scores tend to have better access to quality education and healthcare, which can contribute to upward social mobility.

Additionally, the HDI can be used as a comparative tool to assess the progress of different countries over time. By tracking changes in the HDI scores, policymakers and researchers can gain insights into the extent to which social mobility is being achieved within a country. For instance, if a country's HDI score is improving over time, it suggests that there may be positive changes in social mobility.

However, it is important to note that the HDI alone cannot provide a comprehensive measure of social mobility. Social mobility is a complex concept that involves various factors such as social and economic inequalities, access to opportunities, and intergenerational mobility. To fully understand and measure social mobility, additional indicators and data sources, such as income inequality measures and intergenerational mobility studies, need to be considered alongside the HDI.