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Multidimensional Nation Wellbeing, More Equal yet More Polarized: An Analysis of the Progress of Human Development Since 1990

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  • Gordon Anderson, Alessio Farcomeni, Maria Grazia Pittau and Roberto Zelli

    (University of Toronto and Sapienza University of Rome)

Abstract

Mounting concern regarding inadequacies of per capita GDP or GNI as a source of nation wellbeing classification and comparison lead to the employment of multidimensional approaches with attendant concerns regarding their arbitrary and complex nature. Here, based upon commonalities in multidimensional behavior of nations, feasible, less arbitrary, classification methodologies and techniques for assessing wellbeing within and between groups are proposed. Implementation in a three dimensional study of 164 countries from 1990 to 2014 in a Human Development Index (HDI) framework reveals substantive multi-dimensional growth in a slowly evolving, relatively immobile three group world exhibiting simultaneous increases in equality and polarization with a growing Lower HD class and shrinking Middle and High HD classes.

Suggested Citation

  • Gordon Anderson, Alessio Farcomeni, Maria Grazia Pittau and Roberto Zelli, 2019. "Multidimensional Nation Wellbeing, More Equal yet More Polarized: An Analysis of the Progress of Human Development Since 1990," Journal of Economic Development, Chung-Ang Unviersity, Department of Economics, vol. 44(1), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:jed:journl:v:44:y:2019:i:1:p:1-22
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    1. Gordon Anderson & Alessio Farcomeni & Maria Grazia Pittau & Roberto Zelli, 2019. "Rectangular latent Markov models for time‐specific clustering, with an analysis of the wellbeing of nations," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series C, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 68(3), pages 603-621, April.
    2. Boarini, Romina & Causa, Orsetta & Fleurbaey, Marc & Grimalda, Gianluca & Woolard, Ingrid, 2018. "Reducing inequalities and strengthening social cohesion through inclusive growth: A roadmap for action," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal (2007-2020), Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), vol. 12, pages 1-26.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Wellbeing; Human Development Index; Multi-dimensional Mixture Models; Class Membership; Inequality; Polarization; Mobility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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