PQLI (Physical Quality of Life Index)
TThe Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) is a composite index that measures the physical well-being of individuals in a society. It was developed in the 1970s by the economist M. H. Manmohan and focuses on the physical aspects of life rather than economic factors like income or wealth. The index is designed to evaluate the quality of life in terms of health and basic living standards, providing a more direct measure of human development.
Components of PQLI:
PQLI is based on three key indicators:
- Life Expectancy at Age 1:
- This measures the average number of years a person can expect to live, assuming that the mortality rate at different ages remains constant. It focuses on the survival chances of children and is used to reflect the general health status of the population.
- A higher life expectancy at age 1 indicates better healthcare, sanitation, and living conditions.
- Infant Mortality Rate:
- This refers to the number of infants who die before reaching the age of one, per 1,000 live births. A lower infant mortality rate is a sign of better healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition in a country.
- A lower infant mortality rate indicates that the society has a better healthcare system and living conditions for children.
- Basic Literacy Rate:
- This measures the percentage of people in a country who can read and write at a basic level. A higher literacy rate indicates better access to education and greater opportunities for individuals to improve their socio-economic status.
- Higher literacy rates generally lead to better job opportunities, improved living standards, and greater awareness about health and hygiene.
Advantages of PQLI:
- Focus on Human Well-being: PQLI emphasizes the basic physical aspects of life that directly affect individuals’ well-being, such as health and education.
- Holistic Measure: It offers a broader and more holistic perspective on development than purely economic measures like GDP.
- Simple and Easy to Understand: The indicators used in PQLI are simple to understand and directly relevant to the quality of life.
Criticisms of PQLI:
- Lack of Economic Dimensions: The index does not consider economic factors like income, employment, and wealth, which are crucial for a comprehensive assessment of development.
- Limited Scope: PQLI focuses only on physical and educational aspects of life and does not address other important dimensions like political freedom, social equality, and environmental sustainability.
- Data Limitations: The accuracy of PQLI depends on the availability and quality of data, which can vary across countries, particularly in developing regions.