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Assignment #2

The document outlines the characteristics of developing countries, highlighting issues such as low standards of living, high poverty levels, and reliance on agriculture. It also discusses social challenges like low literacy rates and poor healthcare systems, along with political instability and environmental degradation. Overall, these factors contribute to the economic and social vulnerabilities faced by developing nations.

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Erica Chricel T. Esperas
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9 views3 pages

Assignment #2

The document outlines the characteristics of developing countries, highlighting issues such as low standards of living, high poverty levels, and reliance on agriculture. It also discusses social challenges like low literacy rates and poor healthcare systems, along with political instability and environmental degradation. Overall, these factors contribute to the economic and social vulnerabilities faced by developing nations.

Uploaded by

Erica Chricel T. Esperas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ESPERAS, ERICA CHRICEL T.

February 17, 2025


BSA-1D
Economic Development

Assignment: Enumerate and briefly explain the different characteristics of a developing world:

According to development economist, Michael P. Todora


1. Low Standards of Living
- Low Standards of living tend to be experienced by the majority of the population.
- The main indicators of these low living standards are high poverty levels (i.e very low incomes),
high levels of inequality, very poor housing, low standards of health, high infant mortality rates, high
levels of malnutrition and lack of education.
2. Low Levels of Productivity (output per person)
- The main causes are low education standards within the countries, the low level of health among
workers, lack of investment in physical capital and lack of access to technology.
3. High Rates of Population Growth And Dependency Burdens
- Developing countries tend to have crude birth rates that are on average more than double the rates
in developed countries.
- The crude birth rate is the annual number of live births per 1,000 of the population.
- The world average in 2005, was 20.15, but in some developing countries, it can be as high as 50
per thousand.
4. High & Rising Levels of Unemployment & Underemployment
- Developing countries tend to have relatively high levels of unemployment, typically between 9%and
16% of the labor force.
● Hard Core - Those that have been unemployed for so long that they have given up
searching for a job and no longer appear as unemployed.
● Hidden Unemployed - those who work for a few hours a day on the family farm or in a
family business or trade.3.
● Underemployed - Those who would like full-time work but are only able to get part- time
employment, often on an informal basis.
5. Substantial Dependence on Agricultural Production & Primary Product Exports
- The problem of over-dependence on agricultural commodities was examined in the context of the
Terms of Trade.
6. Prevalence of Imperfect Markets & Limited Information
- The trend in developing countries in the last 20 years has been towards a more market-oriented
approach to growth.
- This has sometimes been promoted or encouraged by international bodies such as the IMF and
the World Bank.
- However, this is possibly problematic, since when market-based approaches may work well in
economies that are efficiently functioning, many developing countries face imperfect markets and
imperfect knowledge.
7. Dominance, dependence & vulnerability in International Relations
- In almost all cases, developing countries are dominated by developed countries because of the
economic and political power of the developed countries.
-In addition, they are dependent upon them for many things, such as trade, access to technology,
aid and investment.
- It is not really possible for economically small, developing countries to isolate themselves from
world markets.
8. Low access to healthcare
- People in developing countries often have lower life expectancies than people in developed
countries.
- This includes poor public health services and poor sanitation of public health infrastructure.

According to ChatGPT:
 A developing world (or developing countries) is characterized by several economic, social, and political
factors that distinguish it from developed nations. Here are some key characteristics:

A. Economic Characteristics
1. Low GDP per capita – The overall economic output per person is relatively low.
2. High Poverty Levels – A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line.
3. Dependence on Agriculture – A large share of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, often at a
subsistence level.
4. Limited Industrialization – Manufacturing and industrial activities are underdeveloped, with reliance on
exporting raw materials.
5. High Unemployment & Underemployment – Many people are either jobless or engaged in low-paying,
informal jobs.
6. Weak Infrastructure – Poor roads, unreliable electricity, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.
7. External Debt – Many developing countries depend on loans and aid from international organizations or
developed nations.

B. Social Characteristics
8. Low Literacy Rates – Limited access to quality education leads to lower literacy and skill levels.
9. Poor Healthcare Systems – Lack of hospitals, trained medical professionals, and access to essential
medicines.
10. High Population Growth – Rapid population increase puts pressure on resources and services.
11. Malnutrition & Food Insecurity – Many people face hunger and inadequate nutrition.
12. Urbanization Issues – Rapid migration to cities leads to slums, inadequate housing, and sanitation
problems.
13. Gender Inequality – Women and marginalized groups often have limited access to education, healthcare,
and employment opportunities.

C. Political & Institutional Characteristics


14. Weak Governance & Corruption – Many governments struggle with corruption, inefficiency, and lack of
transparency.
15. Political Instability & Conflict – Some developing nations experience frequent political crises, coups, or civil
wars.
16. Limited Democratic Institutions – Weak rule of law, lack of political participation, and restricted press
freedom.
17. Dependency on Foreign Aid – Many developing countries rely on international aid for economic
development and basic services.

D. Environmental Characteristics
18. Environmental Degradation – Deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution are common due to weak
environmental regulations.
19. Vulnerability to Climate Change – Developing nations often suffer from droughts, floods, and natural
disasters with limited capacity to adapt.
20. Limited Access to Clean Water & Sanitation – Many communities lack clean drinking water and proper
waste management.

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