What Counts as Development?

For much of the twentieth century, development was treated as almost the same as economic growth: rising output per person through industrialization. Over time, economists broadened the idea. Amartya Sen argued in 'Development as Freedom' (1999) that development means expanding people's real freedoms, such as being healthy, educated, able to participate in society and free from hunger, with income as one important means rather than the end.

This perspective explains why some countries with modest incomes, such as Sri Lanka and the Indian state of Kerala, achieved relatively high life expectancy and literacy, while some richer countries lagged. International goals reflect this broader view: the Millennium Development Goals of 2000 and the Sustainable Development Goals of 2015 include health, education, gender equality and the environment.

Debate continues over priorities: some stress growth as the engine that pays for everything else, while others stress institutions, public services and equity as foundations for lasting growth.