Indicator limitations Flashcards
Why can per capita indicators mask inequalities?
Per capita indicators often mask inequalities because the wealth of individuals like Brunei’s Sultan can skew the average for the entire population.
What limitation do economic indicators in LICs have?
Economic indicators in LICs usually don’t account for the informal sector. Additionally, income data is sensitive, and people may not always provide honest information.
Why are some indicators more useful than others?
Some indicators, like infant mortality, give a clearer picture of a country’s situation than others, such as the death rate.
What is a limitation of infant mortality as an indicator?
Not all child deaths are reported, especially in remote areas, which can make infant mortality data unreliable.
What is a limitation of social indicators like access to safe water?
Social indicators like access to safe water may not reflect affordability. Water might be accessible but expensive, forcing people to drink unsafe water.
What is a limitation of social indicators like literacy rate?
Literacy rate is hard to measure accurately in areas like squatter settlements, where record-keeping may be unreliable.
How can birth rates be distorted?
Birth rates can be heavily distorted by anti-natalist policies like China’s one-child policy.
What limitation does the ‘people per doctor’ indicator have?
The ‘people per doctor’ indicator doesn’t take into account people seeking medical help online, such as in India.
