UGC NET ECONOMICS
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS
MODULE
Harrod-Domar, Solow, Lewis, Poverty & HDI
Topic Focus
Growth vs Development Conceptual distinction
Harrod-Domar Model Savings and investment
Solow Model Capital accumulation
Lewis Model Dual economy
Human Capital Education and productivity
Poverty Measurement and concepts
Inequality Lorenz curve and Gini
HDI Human development
Sustainable Development Environment and growth
Why This Unit Matters
Growth and Development Economics is one of the highest-yield UGC NET units because
economists, models, and development indicators are repeatedly tested.
Growth vs Development
Economic growth refers to increase in output while development includes qualitative improvements
such as health, education, and living standards.
Harrod-Domar Model
Growth depends on savings and capital formation. Higher savings can generate higher growth rates
through investment.
Solow Growth Model
Long-run growth depends on capital accumulation, labor growth, and technological progress.
Technology becomes the key driver in the long run.
Lewis Dual Sector Model
Development occurs through transfer of surplus labor from traditional agriculture to the modern
industrial sector.
Human Capital Theory
Education, training, and health increase productivity and economic performance.
Poverty
Absolute poverty focuses on minimum subsistence while relative poverty compares living standards
across groups.
Poverty Measurement
Headcount ratio, poverty gap, and multidimensional poverty measures are important concepts.
Inequality
Lorenz Curve and Gini Coefficient are widely used measures of income inequality.
Human Development Index
HDI combines income, education, and life expectancy indicators.
Sustainable Development
Development should satisfy present needs without compromising future generations.
Environmental Concerns
Climate change, resource depletion, and pollution create challenges for sustainable growth.
High-Yield Economists & Models
Economist / Concept Association
Harrod & Domar Savings-led Growth
Solow Neoclassical Growth
Arthur Lewis Dual Economy
Amartya Sen Capabilities Approach
UNDP Human Development Index
Most Repeated PYQ Areas
• Growth vs Development
• Harrod-Domar assumptions
• Solow model and technology
• Lewis surplus labor concept
• HDI components
• Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve
• Sustainable development definition
Quick Revision Sheet
Harrod-Domar → Savings & Investment
Solow → Technology Driven Growth
Lewis → Dual Economy Model
Sen → Capabilities Approach
HDI → Income + Education + Life Expectancy
Sustainable Development → Intergenerational Equity