Introductory Development Economics — DU B.A (Prog.) Economics as Major Previous Year Question Papers

1. Analyse how the UNDP's Human Development Index (HDI) provides a broader framework for comparing nations by incorporating key dimensions of human well-being-such as health, education, and standard of living beyond mere income levels. 2. Discuss the key similarities and differences among developing countries in terms of their historical background, structural characteristics, and development challenges. 3. Examine the historical process of the "Great Divergence" and assess its importance in understanding the economic inequalities between developed and developing nations. Illustrate the long-run causes of comparative development with the help of a flow chart. 4. Critically evaluate Prabhu K. Seeta's perspective on the Human Development Index (HDI). How does it highlight the limitations of conventional economic indicators in measuring true development outcomes? 4. Discuss the key stages outlined by W.W. Rostow in his theory of economic growth. To what extent does this linear model capture the realities of development in contemporary developing countries? 5. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Lewis model as a structural change theory of development. With the help of a diagram, explain how it addresses the issues of labour surplus, capital accumulation, and income distribution in the process of economic growth. 7. Discuss the various linkages that play a crucial role in stimulating the process of economic development in developing countries. What are the major limitations or criticisms of Hirschman's theory? 8. How does Amartya Sen redefine poverty as a deprivation of basic capabilities rather than merely a shortage of income or material wealth? Discuss with suitable examples.