Strengths of human development

We have already discussed how human development
scores over GNP approaches. But it also differs from
other conventional approaches like human capital
formation, human resource development, human
welfare or basic needs (HDR, 1990). Human capital
formation views human beings as a means rather than
as ends, as instruments in furtherance of commodity
production which is only one side of development
because it overlooks human beings as recipients and
goals of development. Human welfare approaches look
at human beings more as beneficiaries of the
development process than as active participants in it.
The “basic needs” approach, which was the precursor
to human development, concentrates on providing basic
need to all human beings for opportunities for a full
life. But it does not focus on the issue of human
choices. Human development goes beyond basic needs
in many ways. It is concerned with all human beings,
not just the poor and not just in poor countries, and
not only basic needs (Streeten, 2000). It applies to all
countries irrespective of their income levels. It sees
human development as a participatory and dynamic
concept as it focuses on building up human capabilities
and the use people make of these capabilities.
The approach highlights two things: that well being is
the purpose of development and that economic growth
is to be treated only a means of it.