Human development

Human development refers to the biological, psychological, and emotional changes that occur in human beings over the course of their lives. The term is primarily used in the fields of psychology and developmental biology, but also in economics and political science, where it is often associated with concepts of human rights and social justice.

Biological Aspects of Human Development

Biological human development, or human growth, begins at conception and continues throughout life. It involves changes in physical structure, the brain, and various body systems. The process is guided by both genetic factors and environmental influences, such as nutrition and disease exposure.

Psychological Aspects of Human Development

Psychological human development involves changes in cognitive abilities, emotional responses, and social interactions. Theories of psychological development, such as those proposed by Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, suggest that individuals pass through distinct stages of development throughout their lives.

Economic and Political Aspects of Human Development

In the fields of economics and political science, human development is often discussed in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI, developed by the United Nations Development Programme, measures a country's average achievements in three basic aspects of human development: longevity, knowledge, and a decent standard of living.

See Also

• Developmental psychology
• Human biology
• Human rights
• Social justice