Wellbeing
What is the definition of "human wellbeing" in the context of geography?
Human wellbeing refers to the overall quality of life and satisfaction experienced by individuals and communities within a geographical area. It encompasses physical, social, economic, and psychological dimensions.
What is the Human Development Index (HDI), and what are 3 main components?
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure used to assess a country's overall level of human development. It considers three main components: life expectancy at birth (health), mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling (education), and gross national income per capita (standard of living).
What is poverty?
A state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living.
What is conflict?
A clash between individuals arising out of a difference in thought process, attitudes, understanding, interests, requirements and even sometimes perceptions
What are the elements of BOLTSS
Border, Orientation, Legend, Title, Scale, Source
Identify and explain at least three social factors that can affect human wellbeing.
Social factors include:
1. Social support networks: Having strong connections with family, friends, and communities contributes to emotional wellbeing.
2. Equity and social inclusion: Ensuring that all members of society have equal access to resources and opportunities improves overall wellbeing.
3. Safety and security: Living in a safe environment with low crime rates enhances physical and psychological wellbeing.
How does the HDI differentiate between developed and developing countries?
The HDI categorizes countries into different development groups based on their HDI scores. Developed countries generally have higher HDI scores, indicating higher levels of human development, while developing countries have lower HDI scores, reflecting lower levels of development.
What is the poverty cycle, and how does it perpetuate the cycle of poverty for individuals and families?
The poverty cycle refers to a self-reinforcing pattern where individuals or families remain trapped in poverty over generations. Limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can lead to low income and limited resources, making it difficult to break free from poverty. This cycle is often perpetuated through lack of skills, intergenerational transmission, and systemic inequalities.
Name two factors that may cause conflict within a country. Link these to the case studies we have done in class.
1. Uprising against governments (Syria)
2. Disagreements on land ownership (Arab-Israel)
You have created a scatter graph where one variable is increasing while one is decreasing. Majority of you plot points sit close to the line of best fit. What relationship is this?
Strong Negative Correlation
How can economic factors influence human wellbeing in a region?
Economic factors, such as income levels, employment opportunities, and access to basic necessities, directly impact human wellbeing. Higher income levels often lead to improved living standards, better access to education and healthcare, and increased overall satisfaction.
How does the Human Development Index (HDI) differ from purely economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in measuring a country's development?
The HDI takes a broader approach to measuring development by considering not only economic factors but also health and education indicators.
What is the most significant tool to break someone out of the poverty cycle?
Quality Education
Name 3 short term effects of conflict? Refer to one of our case studies as evidence
1. Displacement
2. Economic recession
3. Resource limitation
How would we analyse data from an 'social' perspective?
Some ways include: destruction to communities and families, emotional and physical trauma, displacement, loss of trust in government
Consider our case study on Cambodia. Give three examples how the actions of their past effected the wellbeing of people today?
1. Conservative government
2. Generational divide
3. Family trauma
How can the Human Development Index (HDI) be used as a tool for policy-making and international comparisons?
The HDI serves as a valuable tool for policy-makers to assess the effectiveness of development strategies and allocate resources more efficiently. By identifying areas of improvement in health, education, and income, governments can prioritize initiatives that address specific shortcomings.
Explain how lack of access to quality education contributes to the poverty cycle.
Lack of access to quality education can hinder skill development and limit economic opportunities. Without education, individuals are more likely to be stuck in low-paying jobs with limited prospects for advancement. As a result, their children may also face barriers to education, continuing the cycle.
Name 3 long term effects of conflict? Refer to one of our case studies as evidence
1. Ongoing war
2. Generational trauma
3. Lack of trust in government
What is the purpose of creating a population pyramid?
A population pyramid is useful to represent the breakdown of the population by gender and age at a given point in time
Explain the difference between "subjective wellbeing" and "objective wellbeing."
Subjective wellbeing refers to an individual's personal perception of their own happiness and life satisfaction. Objective wellbeing, on the other hand, involves measurable indicators such as income, access to healthcare, education, and other factors that contribute to a person's quality of life.
Give an example of a country with a high HDI score and discuss what this score indicates about its development.
Norway is an example of a country with a high HDI score. Its high life expectancy, well-developed education system, and relatively high income per capita contribute to its high HDI ranking. This score suggests that Norway has a strong overall level of human development and a high quality of life for its residents.
Discuss the role of systemic factors, such as discrimination and lack of social services, in maintaining the poverty cycle.
Discrimination, unequal access to opportunities, and inadequate social services can reinforce the poverty cycle. Marginalized groups often face barriers in education, employment, and healthcare, making it harder for them to escape poverty.
How are literacy rates impacted by conflict? Provide evidence linked to one of our case studies.
Conflict disrupts educational systems, causes displacement and economic hardships, leads to psychological trauma, and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. All these factors contribute to a decline in literacy rates, perpetuating a cycle of educational deprivation in conflict-affected regions. An example of this is Cambodia experience of the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979, during which educational institutions were systematically dismantled. Schools were closed, and educators were targeted and often killed.
How would we analyse data from an 'economic' perspective?
Some ways include: damage to infrastructure, a decline in the working population, inflation, shortages, uncertainty, a rise in debt and disruption