Class 10 : Social Science (In English) Economics – Lesson 18. Development
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
🔵 Introduction
Development is one of the most important ideas in economics and social science. It does not mean the same thing for everyone. Different people look at development in different ways depending on their needs, goals, and life conditions. This chapter explains how development should be understood, why income alone is not enough, and why health, education, equality, and sustainability are also important.
🟢 What Development Means
🌿 Development means improvement in the quality of life.
✏️ For some people, it may mean more income.
✏️ For others, it may mean better education, security, freedom, respect, or equal treatment.
💡 So development is a broad idea, not just economic growth.
🧠 This is the central message of the chapter: what people desire from life shapes their idea of development.
🔴 Different People, Different Goals
Different persons can have different developmental goals.
Examples
🔹 a landless labourer may want more wages and regular work
🔹 a girl student may want equal opportunity and good education
🔹 a farmer may want better irrigation and fair crop prices
🔹 an industrialist may want higher profits and better markets
❗ Sometimes one person’s development may harm another person’s interests.
🧠 This shows that development is not always simple. It may involve conflict between different goals.
🟡 Income and Other Goals
Income is important because it helps people buy goods and services. But income alone cannot guarantee a good life.
Other important goals
🔹 equal treatment
🔹 freedom
🔹 security
🔹 respect
🔹 healthy environment
🔹 good working conditions
🧠 A person may earn more money but still suffer from insecurity, pollution, or lack of dignity. So development must include both material and non-material aspects.
🔵 National Development
When we talk about development for a country, we cannot look only at individual desires. We must think about what is good for all people.
🌿 National development means improvement in the lives of the people of the country as a whole.
✏️ It should include better income, education, healthcare, equality, and opportunities.
🧠 This is why development at the national level is more complex than personal progress.
🟢 How to Compare Countries or States
A common way to compare development is by looking at average income.
Average income
It is also called per capita income.
It is calculated by dividing the total income of a country by its total population.
💡 Countries with higher average income are often considered more developed.
🧠 This method is useful, but it has limits. Average income does not show how income is actually distributed among people.
🔴 Why Average Income Can Mislead
Two places may have the same average income, but the real condition of people may be very different.
🌿 If income is concentrated in a few hands, most people may still remain poor.
❗ So average income hides inequality.
🧠 This is very important. Development should not be judged only by totals and averages. We must also see who is benefiting and who is left behind.
🟡 Public Facilities
Many things necessary for development are provided not by private income alone but by public services.
Examples
🔹 schools
🔹 hospitals
🔹 safe drinking water
🔹 transport
🔹 sanitation
🔹 electricity
🧠 Even if a person’s income is not very high, access to good public facilities can improve life greatly. This is why states with better public services may perform better in human development.
🔵 Health and Education
Health and education are major indicators of development.
🌿 Healthy people can work better and live better.
🌿 Educated people have greater awareness, choices, and opportunities.
❗ Without health and education, high income alone cannot create real progress.
🧠 This is why development must be people-centred, not money-centred.
🟢 Human Development
Human development focuses on improving people’s overall well-being.
Main features
🔹 long and healthy life
🔹 access to knowledge
🔹 decent standard of living
🔹 freedom and dignity
🧠 This idea is broader than income-based comparison. It gives more importance to quality of life.
🔴 Infant Mortality Rate
Infant Mortality Rate tells us the number of children who die before the age of one year per 1000 live births in a year.
💡 A lower infant mortality rate means better healthcare and nutrition.
🧠 This is an important sign of social development because it reflects the condition of mothers, children, and health systems.
🟡 Literacy Rate
Literacy rate tells us the proportion of educated people in a region.
🌿 A higher literacy rate usually shows better educational access and awareness.
🧠 Education increases opportunities and helps people participate more actively in society.
🔵 Net Attendance Ratio
This shows the proportion of children of a certain age group who are attending school.
🧠 It is useful because it tells us whether children are actually getting education, not just whether schools exist.
🟢 Sustainability of Development
Development today should not destroy the future.
🌿 Natural resources are limited.
❗ If they are used carelessly, future generations will suffer.
🔹 overuse of groundwater
🔹 deforestation
🔹 pollution
🔹 depletion of minerals and fuels
🧠 Sustainable development means meeting present needs without reducing future opportunities.
🔴 Environmental Concerns
Economic activity often puts pressure on nature.
Problems
🔹 falling groundwater levels
🔹 land degradation
🔹 polluted air and water
🔹 loss of forests
🧠 Development that damages the environment may look successful for a short time, but it creates deeper problems later. So sustainability is necessary for true progress.
🟡 Equality and Justice
Development should benefit all sections of society.
🌿 If only a few people become rich while many remain poor, development remains incomplete.
✏️ Real progress must reduce inequality and improve opportunities for weaker sections.
🧠 This makes development a social and ethical issue, not only an economic one.
🔵 Conclusion
Development is a broad and complex concept. It cannot be measured by income alone. People may have different goals, but some common elements such as health, education, equality, security, and dignity are essential for everyone. Average income helps in comparison, but it does not reveal inequality or access to public services. So real development means improving the quality of human life in a fair and sustainable way.
📝 Summary
🔵 Development means improvement in quality of life, not only rise in income.
🟢 Different people may have different developmental goals.
🔴 Income is important, but freedom, equality, dignity, and security also matter.
🟡 Average income helps compare regions, but it can hide inequality.
🔵 Health, education, and public facilities are major signs of development.
🌍 Sustainable use of resources is necessary for future generations.
📌 Quick Recap
🔵 Development has different meanings for different people.
🟢 Income alone is not enough to judge progress.
🟡 Health, education, and public facilities matter greatly.
🔴 Equality and sustainability are essential parts of development.
🌍 Real development improves life for all, not only for a few.
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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK
Question 1
Development of a country can generally be determined by
(i) its per capita income
(ii) its average literacy level
(iii) health status of its people
(iv) all the above
Answer:
All the above are used to gauge a country’s development because income, literacy, and health together reflect economic well-being, education, and quality of life.
Question 2
Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India?
(i) Bangladesh
(ii) Sri Lanka
(iii) Nepal
(iv) Pakistan
Answer:
Sri Lanka outperforms India on human development measures such as life expectancy and mean years of schooling.
Question 3
Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita income of these families is Rs 5000. If the income of three families is Rs 4000, Rs 7000 and Rs 3000 respectively, what is the income of the fourth family?
(i) Rs 7500
(ii) Rs 3000
(iii) Rs 2000
(iv) Rs 6000
Answer:
Total income for four families = 5000 × 4 = 20,000. Sum of three known incomes = 4000 + 7000 + 3000 = 14,000. Fourth family’s income = 20,000 – 14,000 = Rs 6000.
Question 4
What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?
Answer:
The World Bank classifies countries by per capita gross national income (GNI). Limitations include ignoring income distribution disparities and non-income factors like health, education, and environmental quality that also shape development.
Question 5
In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development different from the one used by the World Bank?
Answer:
UNDP’s Human Development Index combines per capita income with health (life expectancy) and education (mean and expected schooling), offering a multidimensional view beyond income alone.
Question 6
Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate with your own examples related to development.
Answer:
Averages simplify comparison across populations by representing typical values, such as per capita income. Limitations arise because averages can mask inequalities—for instance, a high average income may coexist with extreme poverty among many, while a few enjoy vast wealth.
Question 7
Kerala, with lower per capita income, has a better human development ranking than Haryana. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
Answer:
Per capita income alone is incomplete; Kerala’s superior outcomes in health and education despite lower income illustrate that public services and social factors critically influence development, making composite indices more reliable.
Question 8
Find out the present sources of energy that are used by the people in India. What could be the other possibilities fifty years from now?
Answer:
Currently India relies on coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, and renewables (wind, solar). In fifty years, advanced renewables, nuclear energy, and sustainable biofuels may predominate to meet growing demand and reduce environmental impact.
Question 9
Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
Answer:
Sustainability ensures that resource use today does not deplete or degrade environmental and social systems needed by future generations, balancing economic growth with conservation of renewable and non-renewable resources.
Question 10
“The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person.” How is this statement relevant to the discussion of development? Discuss.
Answer:
This underscores that development must prioritize equitable access and prudent resource management rather than unchecked consumption, as excessive exploitation harms ecosystems and denies future needs.
Question 11
List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you.
Answer:
Examples include groundwater depletion from over-extraction, air pollution in urban centers, deforestation in rural areas, and water contamination from industrial effluents, all of which undermine long-term well-being.
Question 12
For each of the items given in Table 1.6 (GNI per capita, life expectancy, mean years of schooling, HDI rank), find out which country is at the top and which is at the bottom among India’s neighbours.
Answer:
GNI per capita: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Myanmar
Life expectancy: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Myanmar
Mean years of schooling: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Pakistan
HDI rank: Top – Sri Lanka; Bottom – Pakistan.
Question 13
The following table shows the proportion of adults (aged 15–49 years) whose BMI is below normal (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) in India for 2019–21. Look at the table and answer:
State Male (%) Female (%)
Kerala 8.5 10
Karnataka 17 21
Madhya Pradesh 28 28
All States 20 23
(i) Compare the nutritional level of people in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
(ii) Can you guess why around one-fifth of people in the country are undernourished even though it is argued that there is enough food in the country? Describe in your own words.
Answer:
(i) Kerala has far fewer undernourished adults (about 9–10%) than Madhya Pradesh (28%), indicating better health and access to nutrition in Kerala.
(ii) Undernourishment persists despite ample food due to poverty, unequal distribution, inadequate public health services, and lack of awareness about balanced diets, reflecting systemic social and economic barriers to food security.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
(CBSE MODEL QUESTION PAPER)
ESPECIALLY MADE FROM THIS CHAPTER ONLY
SECTION A: Multiple Choice Questions (Q1–Q20)
(1 mark each × 20 = 20 marks)
Q1. Which of the following is not a feature of sustainable development?
A. Renewable energy use
B. Resource conservation
C. Excessive industrial exploitation
D. Environmental protection
Answer: C. Excessive industrial exploitation
Q2. Which of the following countries has the highest Human Development Index (HDI) rank among India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal (as per recent trends)?
A. India
B. Nepal
C. Sri Lanka
D. All have the same
Answer: C. Sri Lanka
Q3. A rise in life expectancy of a country indicates:
A. Better climate
B. Improvement in income
C. Better health care services
D. Agricultural growth
Answer: C. Better health care services
Q4. Which organisation publishes the Human Development Report (HDR)?
A. World Bank
B. IMF
C. UNDP
D. WTO
Answer: C. UNDP
Q5. Which one of the following is not considered while calculating HDI?
A. Per capita income
B. Life expectancy
C. Literacy rate
D. Gross Domestic Product
Answer: D. Gross Domestic Product
Q6. Which country is considered ‘rich’ as per World Bank’s 2020 criteria (per capita income above US$12,695)?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Norway
C. India
D. Bangladesh
Answer: B. Norway
Q7. Which of the following statements is correct about per capita income?
A. It is the same for all citizens in a country
B. It reflects income distribution
C. It is total income divided by population
D. It includes foreign income
Answer: C. It is total income divided by population
Q8. Public facilities include all of the following except:
A. Transport
B. Internet speed
C. Healthcare
D. Sanitation
Answer: B. Internet speed
Q9. Which one of the following is an example of non-renewable resources?
A. Wind energy
B. Water
C. Petroleum
D. Solar power
Answer: C. Petroleum
Q10. The literacy rate in a country is calculated for population above the age of:
A. 5 years
B. 7 years
C. 15 years
D. 18 years
Answer: B. 7 years
Q11. Which of the following statements best describes the goal of development?
A. Increase in per capita income
B. Improvement in health and education
C. Equal distribution of resources
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Q12. Which state in India has the highest per capita income?
A. Maharashtra
B. Goa
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
Answer: B. Goa
Q13. Which of the following is not a development goal?
A. Equality
B. Pollution
C. Security
D. Freedom
Answer: B. Pollution
Q14. The infant mortality rate (IMR) is:
A. Number of infants born every year
B. Number of children dying before the age of 1 per 1000 live births
C. Number of women dying during childbirth
D. Number of children surviving after 5 years
Answer: B. Number of children dying before the age of 1 per 1000 live births
Q15. Which is a better indicator of development?
A. Gross National Product
B. Per Capita Income
C. Human Development Index
D. Total population
Answer: C. Human Development Index
Q16. Choose the correct pair:
A. Kerala – Low literacy
B. Bihar – High per capita income
C. Punjab – High agricultural productivity
D. Odisha – High HDI
Answer: C. Punjab – High agricultural productivity
Q17. Which sector does the public distribution system (PDS) belong to?
A. Private sector
B. Industrial sector
C. Public sector
D. Foreign sector
Answer: C. Public sector
Q18. Life expectancy at birth is one of the indicators used in:
A. GDP
B. PCI
C. HDI
D. GNP
Answer: C. HDI
Q19. Which one of the following is a renewable resource?
A. Coal
B. Forest
C. Natural gas
D. Minerals
Answer: B. Forest
Q20. Which international body classifies countries based on per capita income?
A. UNDP
B. WHO
C. WTO
D. World Bank
Answer: D. World Bank
SECTION B: Very Short Answer Questions (2 × 4 = 8 marks)
(Answer each question in 30–40 words)
Q21. What is meant by sustainable development?
Answer:
Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves judicious use of resources and environmental protection.
Q22. Why is per capita income not a sufficient indicator of development?
Answer:
Per capita income is an average and does not reflect inequalities in income distribution. It also ignores factors like health, education, and living standards, which are essential for understanding true development.
Q23. Define Human Development Index. Who publishes it?
Answer:
HDI is a composite index that measures development based on life expectancy, education, and per capita income. It is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Q24. Why do people have different goals for development? Give one example.
Answer:
People have different development goals based on their needs, situations, and aspirations. For example, a farmer may want better irrigation, while a student may want quality education and internet access.
SECTION C: Short Answer Questions (3 × 5 = 15 marks)
(Answer each question in 60–80 words)
Q25. Explain how public facilities contribute to the quality of life.
Answer:
Public facilities such as schools, hospitals, transport, and sanitation improve the quality of life by providing essential services at low or no cost. These facilities promote health, literacy, and mobility. Countries with good public services like Sri Lanka often have better HDI despite lower incomes. Public provisioning reduces inequalities and supports inclusive development.
Q26. “Income is not the only factor in comparing countries.” Justify the statement with two other indicators.
Answer:
Apart from income, health and education are vital indicators. Life expectancy reflects the health of people, and literacy rate shows access to education. For example, even if two countries have the same income, the one with better healthcare and education will be considered more developed. HDI combines all three to give a broader picture of development.
Q27. Give three differences between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Answer:
Renewable resources can be replenished naturally (e.g., solar, wind); non-renewable resources are finite (e.g., coal, oil).
Renewable resources are sustainable if used wisely; non-renewables deplete over time.
Renewable energy causes less pollution; non-renewables contribute to environmental degradation.
Q28. How can sustainable development be achieved? Suggest any three measures.
Answer:
Use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Conservation of water through rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
Reducing pollution and recycling waste materials.
These steps help balance growth with environmental protection.
Q29. What are the limitations of the Human Development Index (HDI)?
Answer:
HDI does not include factors like political freedom and human rights.
It ignores income inequality within countries.
Environmental sustainability and gender equality are not part of its calculation.
Thus, HDI is useful but not a complete measure of development.
SECTION D: Long Answer Questions (5 × 4 = 20 marks)
(Answer each question in 100–120 words)
Q30. Compare India and Sri Lanka based on the following indicators:
Life Expectancy
Literacy Rate
Infant Mortality Rate
Per Capita Income
Public Health Facilities
Answer:
Life Expectancy is higher in Sri Lanka (around 76 years) than in India (about 70 years), indicating better healthcare.
Literacy Rate in Sri Lanka is over 90%, whereas India is around 77%.
Infant Mortality Rate is much lower in Sri Lanka due to effective child care systems.
Per Capita Income is slightly higher in India, but Sri Lanka ranks better in HDI due to health and education.
Public Health Facilities in Sri Lanka are more accessible and efficient.
Thus, Sri Lanka shows more balanced human development despite India’s higher income.
Q31. Explain with examples how different people can have conflicting developmental goals.
Answer:
Developmental goals vary based on needs and roles.
An industrialist may seek low taxes and fewer environmental regulations to boost profits.
A tribal community may value forest conservation over industrial growth.
A landless laborer wants more employment and better wages, while a businessman may desire profit from automation.
These differences can lead to conflicts. Hence, development must be inclusive, sustainable, and mindful of social justice to balance such conflicting goals.
Q32. What is the importance of Human Development Index (HDI)? Why is it considered a better indicator than per capita income?
Answer:
HDI considers life expectancy, education, and per capita income—giving a broader view of development.
Per Capita Income ignores inequalities, health, and education.
HDI shows how development affects human well-being.
For example, countries like Sri Lanka may have lower incomes but higher HDI due to better public health and education. Thus, HDI helps in ranking and comparing countries more meaningfully and encourages governments to focus on people-centric policies.
Q33. “Sustainable development is the only way forward for future generations.” Explain the concept with three examples.
Answer:
Sustainable development means using resources wisely to meet present needs without harming future availability.
Examples:
Rainwater harvesting helps conserve water and recharge groundwater.
Solar and wind energy reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Afforestation and limiting deforestation preserve biodiversity.
These steps maintain ecological balance while supporting economic progress. Unsustainable development leads to resource depletion, pollution, and climate change, endangering future generations.
SECTION E: Case-Based Questions (4 × 3 = 12 marks)
Q34. Case 1:
An Indian district introduced free education, mobile health vans, and subsidized ration shops in every village. After 10 years, the literacy rate rose to 85%, child mortality dropped significantly, and migration reduced.
a. What type of development is reflected here?
b. Name any two public facilities that contributed to this change.
c. How does public investment lead to better human development?
Answer:
a. Human and sustainable development
b. Free education, mobile health vans
c. Public investment improves quality of life, reduces inequality, and ensures equal access to basic needs like education and health.
Q35. Case 2:
Two countries have equal per capita income. However, Country A has low life expectancy and poor literacy rate, while Country B has high literacy and long life expectancy.
a. Which country has higher HDI?
b. Why is per capita income not enough for comparison?
c. Suggest two steps for improving HDI.
Answer:
a. Country B
b. Per capita income doesn’t include health or education data.
c. Invest in health services and improve education infrastructure.
Q36. Case 3:
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in a region boosted crop production but led to polluted water, degraded soil, and falling yields over time.
a. What does this situation represent?
b. Suggest one sustainable alternative.
c. Why is sustainability important in development?
Answer:
a. Unsustainable development
b. Use of organic compost or bio-fertilizers
c. Sustainability ensures long-term productivity and protects the environment for future use.
SECTION F: Map Skill (1 × 1 = 1 mark)
Q37. On the given political map of India, mark the state with highest HDI rank based on recent data.
Answer: Kerala
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