The big idea: Development is one of the most contested ideas in the whole course. Everyone wants a country to 'develop' — but they fiercely disagree on what that means: just getting richer, or building a better life for everyone?
The narrow view says development = economic growth (a bigger economy, more money). The broad view says development is about human lives — health, education, rights and well-being, not just wealth. That gap is where the debates begin.
- Economic — income, jobs, growth (measured by GDP).
- Social — health, education, and a decent standard of living.
- Political — rights, freedoms, stability and a say in government.
- Institutional — fair, effective institutions, low corruption, rule of law.
'Development' is not just 'growth': A country's economy can grow while most people stay poor, unhealthy or unfree — so economic growth and human development are not the same thing. This is why development is measured in many ways, not just by GDP.
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The clearest proof that development is more than growth is when two countries have similar wealth but very different lives — the gap between GDP and human development.
Case study — when growth and human development diverge: Two countries can have almost the same GDP per person, yet their people live very different lives.
In one country
- People live long, educated, healthy lives.
In the other
- Many are poor, sick or unschooled.
- The wealth is unequally shared or spent on things that do not improve lives.
Why the UN created the HDI
- The HDI measures health and education alongside income.
- A country can rank high on GDP but far lower on the HDI.
- This shows 'development' and 'growth' are not the same.
This is the heart of the theme's first debate: some argue development should stress meeting basic needs and well-being (a good life), not just a bigger economy. Others say growth comes first, because without wealth you cannot fund health or schools.
The key point: Development is contested: the narrow view equates it with economic growth (GDP), the broad view with human lives (health, education, rights, well-being). Because a growing economy can leave people behind, most now argue development means more than growth — but how much more is disputed.
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So which comes first — growing the economy, or developing society (people's lives)? This is a genuine, recurring exam debate. Weigh it.
Basic needs vs well-being
Some define development as meeting basic needs (food, water, shelter, health); others push further to well-being and freedoms — the capabilities people have to live lives they value. The broader the definition, the harder it is to measure and deliver.
Why there is no single agreed model
Because 'a good life' differs across cultures and values, there is no universally accepted model of development — which some argue has itself hindered progress, as states pursue different, sometimes clashing, goals.
Two perspectives — weigh them: One view: development means economic growth above all — you must grow the pie before you can share it. Another view: development means developing society — health, education, rights and well-being are the point, not just wealth. Strong essays evaluate both, usually concluding growth and human development are interdependent.
How development comes up in Paper 2: A Paper 2 essay might ask what development really means. Weigh economic growth against human development — a better life for people — then reach a judgement.
The 15-mark markband (what moves you up)
Bands 1–6
Mostly descriptive; perspectives not identified.
avoid
Bands 7–9
Clear knowledge, but perspectives identified, not explored.
7–9
Bands 10–12
Well-supported argument; perspectives explored.
10–12
Bands 13–15
Balanced, compelling; perspectives explored AND evaluated.
13–15
"Developing society is more important than developing the economy." Examine this view.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Common mistakes: 1. Equating development with GDP growth. It is broader.
2. No real case. Use a growth-vs-HDI gap or a specific country.
3. One-sided. Give both 'economy first' and 'society first'.
4. Listing indicators one after another. Argue which captures development best, and why.
5. No judgement. Conclude on what development really means.