Development can be understood in different ways. Economic development focuses on growth in wealth, income, production, trade and employment. Social development looks at improvements in people’s living conditions, such as healthcare, education, housing, sanitation and life expectancy. Human development goes further by asking whether people have more freedom, capabilities, opportunities and control over their life chances. Sustainable development focuses on meeting people’s needs today without damaging the environment or limiting the opportunities of future generations. A good sociological answer should explain which type of development is shown, but also recognise that many real-world examples overlap.
In this activity, you will read short country profiles and decide whether each one mainly shows economic, social, human or sustainable development. This tests your AO1 knowledge of different definitions of development, your AO2 application of those definitions to real examples, and your judgement skills because some scenarios could fit more than one category. For each answer, think carefully about the strongest clue in the profile: is it mainly about income and production, living standards, human capabilities, or long-term environmental protection?
This links closely to the AQA Global Development focus on definitions and measures of development, including economic measures, social measures, composite measures and sustainability.
Is This Development? Scenario Sorter
Read each fictional country profile and decide whether it mainly shows economic, social, human or sustainable development. Some profiles contain overlapping evidence, so your task is to identify the strongest type of development shown and justify your judgement.
Economic
Growth in wealth, income, production, trade, employment or investment.
Human
Improvements in freedom, capabilities, opportunities, wellbeing and life chances.
Sustainable
Development that meets present needs while protecting future generations.
Revision summary: types of development
- Economic development is mainly about wealth, income, production, trade, investment and jobs.
- Social development is mainly about improvements in living standards, health, education, housing and welfare.
- Human development is mainly about people’s capabilities, freedoms, choices, wellbeing and life chances.
- Sustainable development is mainly about long-term improvement that protects the environment and future generations.
- Strong exam answers explain why one category fits best, while recognising that real examples often overlap.
For more Global Development Content, click on the link below:
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