Human development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Human development - Essay Example As stated Metelev et al (2015), the focus of human development is on improving the lives of people rather than improving the economy and assuming that economic growth will automatically lead to wellbeing of the people. Human development is therefore an alternative approach that is based on social justice as an approach to determining human progress. Capabilities are central to understanding of the concept of human development. Capabilities refers to what people can do and what they can become hence are the equipment that individual has to pursue life. According to Burman (2012), access to knowledge, quality healthcare and quality standard of living are regarded as the basic capabilities that one need to be successful in life. Other capabilities that may influence individual’s wellbeing include; ability to participate in decisions that affects one’s life, freedom from violence, have fun and have control of person’s living environment. For instance providing high quality education for a girl would ensure he acquire the necessary skills to succeed in jobs, however, if that girl is denied job opportunity then her education will not be useful. Another scenario is when such girl is not provided with quality education that matches the labour market then her education will not be useful. Metelev et al (2015) outlin es three foundations for human development, access to resources and knowledge and: healthy, creative and long life. According to Bilbao-Ubillos (2013), the basic foundations mentioned above then open up other opportunities that creates favourable conditions for human development and includes: human rights and security, environmental sustainability, gender equality and participation in community and political life. Human development is also fundamental about choices because as opportunities increases, it creates various alternatives for people to choose from. According to