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Preston Curve
Context
The Preston Curve illuminates a crucial relationship between life expectancy and per capita income in countries worldwide. Preston's groundbreaking research revealed a pattern where wealthier nations generally enjoy longer life spans compared to their less affluent counterparts. This connection underscores the profound influence of economic prosperity on public health outcomes.
About the Preston Curve:
- Proposed by: American sociologist Samuel H. Preston in 1975
- The essence of the Preston Curve lies in its observation that as a country's per capita income increases, so does its average life expectancy.
- This correlation is attributed to various factors associated with higher income levels, including
- improved access to healthcare
- better education
- cleaner environments
- enhanced nutrition
- For instance, India's journey from an average per capita income of Rs 9,000 in 1947 to approximately Rs 55,000 in 2011 corresponded with a remarkable increase in life expectancy from a mere 32 years to over 66 years.
- Patterns in Development Indicators: The Preston Curve extends beyond life expectancy, encompassing a range of development indicators such as infant and maternal mortality rates, education, and healthcare access. These indicators tend to improve alongside rising per capita income, reflecting broader societal advancements facilitated by economic growth.
- Debates and Perspectives: Despite the compelling correlation between income levels and development outcomes, experts diverge on the causal relationship between the two.
- Some economists advocate for prioritizing economic growth as the pathway to improving development indicators, citing examples like India and China's rapid progress.
- However, others argue that improvements in life expectancy and other indicators are not solely driven by economic growth. Instead, advancements in medical technology, including life-saving vaccines, play a significant role in enhancing public health even in low-income settings.
Fact Box:
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Related PYQQ. Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if
Solution: (c) |
Practice MCQsQ:What does the Preston Curve primarily illustrate?
Solution: (b) |
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