There are many ways of looking at the problem of human development
Income approach – Oldest approach; Human Development is seen as being linked to income. The idea is that the level of income reflects the level of freedom an individual enjoys. Higher the level of income, the higher is the level of human development.
Welfare Approach – This approach looks at human beings as beneficiaries of all development activities. The approach argues for higher govt. expenditure on education, health, social secondary and amenities. People are not participants in development but only passive recipients. The govt. is responsible for increasing levels of human development by maximizing expenditure on welfare.
Basic Needs Approach – Proposed by ILO; Six basic needs i.e health, education, food, water supply, sanitation, and housing were identified. The question of human choices is ignored and the emphasis is on the provision of basic needs of defined section.
Capability Approach – This approach is associated with Prof. Amartya Sen. Building human capabilities in the areas of health, education and access to resources is the key to increasing human development.
