Question

Which of the following variables are included in the Human Poverty Index?
(A). The probability of not surviving till the age of 40.
(B). The adult illiteracy rate.
(C). The number of people who do not have access to clean water.
(D). The number of small children who are underweight.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Note that the HPI has been superseded by the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) since 2010. However, questions on HPI still appear in exams. For HPI-1, remember the three key areas: Longevity (not surviving to 40), Knowledge (illiteracy), and Living Standards (no clean water, underweight children).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the components of the Human Poverty Index (HPI). The HPI was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to measure deprivation in a country. There were two versions: HPI-1 for developing countries and HPI-2 for developed countries. The variables listed correspond to HPI-1.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Human Poverty Index for developing countries (HPI-1) measured poverty based on three dimensions of deprivation:
1. A long and healthy life: Measured by (A) the probability at birth of not surviving to age 40.
2. Knowledge: Measured by (B) the adult illiteracy rate.
3. A decent standard of living: This was a composite variable measured by:
- The percentage of the population without sustainable access to an improved water source (C).
- The percentage of children under weight for age (D).
Therefore, all four variables listed were components of the HPI-1.
Step 3: Final Answer:
All the given variables (A), (B), (C), and (D) are included in the Human Poverty Index (HPI-1).