1
What is the difference between economic growth and economic development?
Economic growth refers mainly to increases in output and income, usually measured by GDP, GNP, and per capita income. Economic development is broader and focuses on improvements in health, education, life satisfaction, social welfare, and equitable distribution.
2
Why is health important for both economic growth and economic development?
Health is important because better health improves workforce productivity and supports economic growth. At the same time, equal health opportunities and a fair health system improve life satisfaction and contribute to development.
3
What is human capital?
Human capital is a form of capital that includes education, health, knowledge, skills, and abilities that contribute to an individual’s utility and productivity.
4
Why are health and education considered basic components of human capital?
Health and education are basic components of human capital because they improve individual capabilities and productivity. Healthy individuals are more likely to receive effective education and benefit from educational investments for a longer time.
5
How does human capital theory relate to health?
Human capital theory treats investments in healthcare and health-promoting behaviors as investments that improve health capital. These investments increase well-being, productivity, labor force participation, and long-term returns.
6
What does human capital theory suggest about productivity?
Human capital theory suggests that investments in education, training, healthcare, and better working conditions increase worker productivity. More skilled and healthier individuals perform more efficiently and support economic growth.
7
How does human capital affect labor market outcomes?
Individuals with higher levels of human capital tend to have better employment opportunities and higher earning potential. This improves individual welfare and can reduce income inequality.
8
What is economic growth?
Economic growth is the increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over time. It is usually measured by the increase in real GDP over a year or a quarter.
9
What are the basic factors affecting economic growth?
The basic factors affecting economic growth are capital accumulation, labor force, technology, and productivity. Improvements in these factors increase the economy’s output.
10
Why is it not enough to focus only on GDP growth?
Focusing only on GDP growth is not enough because higher GDP does not automatically lead to better income distribution, improved living standards, or greater life satisfaction. Qualitative aspects must also be considered.
11
How do endogenous growth models differ from neoclassical growth models?
Neoclassical growth models treat long-term growth as driven mainly by exogenous factors such as technological progress. Endogenous growth models argue that long-term growth is determined by internal factors such as human capital, innovation, and knowledge accumulation.
12
Why is health considered both a consumption good and an investment good?
According to Grossman, health is a consumption good because being healthy provides utility. It is also an investment good because better health increases the time available for market and non-market activities and supports long-term returns from human capital investment
13
How can economic growth positively affect health?
Economic growth can improve health by increasing incomes, living standards, nutrition, sanitation, and public services. It can also create better jobs, support innovation, reduce poverty, and increase investment in education and environmental sustainability.
14
How can economic growth negatively affect health?
Economic growth can negatively affect health through environmental degradation, pollution-related diseases, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, mental health problems, and the spread of infectious diseases and pandemics.
15
Through which main channel does health affect economic growth?
Health affects economic growth mainly through productivity. Healthier individuals work more effectively both physically and mentally, are absent less often, and contribute more to long-term production.
16
What is economic development?
Economic development refers to positive changes in a country’s socio-economic structure, cultural values, environmental conditions, and demographic conditions. It includes both quantitative and qualitative change.
17
What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?
The Human Development Index is a composite index that combines indicators of life expectancy, education, and income to provide a broader measure of human well-being and development.
18
What is life expectancy at birth?
Life expectancy at birth is the average number of years a newborn is expected to live if age-specific mortality rates remain constant. It is widely used as an indicator of overall population health.
19
What does infant mortality rate show?
Infant mortality rate shows the probability of a child dying before reaching the age of one. It is an important indicator of prenatal care, maternal health, and access to healthcare for infants.
20
What do the data in the chapter suggest about Turkey’s health indicators?
The data suggest that Turkey has strong vaccination rates, high insurance coverage, and improving life expectancy. It also shows declining infant and maternal mortality, although health expenditure as a share of GDP remains lower than the OECD average.
21
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
22
Why is Goal 3 of the SDGs especially important?
Goal 3 is especially important because it focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The chapter emphasizes that health is both a result and a driver of sustainable development.