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On some problems of using the Human Development Index in economic history

Author

Listed:
  • Nicola Amendola
  • Giacomo Gabbuti
  • Giovanni Vecchi

Abstract

This paper provides a theoretical framework that shows that the Human Development Index (HDI) is equivalent to a paternalistic social welfare function: this implies that all alternative HDI formulas used by economic historians merely represent their ethical systems. The problem is neither the choice of the dimensions included in the HDI nor the weighting scheme but the lack of consistency with standard economic theory. A key consequence is that with HDI, “anything goes”: using Italy 1861–2016 as a case study, we show how, given the same dataset, the interpretation of Italy’s performance is entirely driven by the analyst’s preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola Amendola & Giacomo Gabbuti & Giovanni Vecchi, 2023. "On some problems of using the Human Development Index in economic history," European Review of Economic History, European Historical Economics Society, vol. 27(4), pages 477-505.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ereveh:v:27:y:2023:i:4:p:477-505.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/ereh/head008
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Cornachione Kula & Charles J. Moyer, Jr. & Priniti Panday, 2025. "The Sensitivity of the Human Development Index to Assumptions about Income," Journal of Economic Analysis, Anser Press, vol. 4(1), pages 192-213, March.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N01 - Economic History - - General - - - Development of the Discipline: Historiographical; Sources and Methods
    • N3 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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