Economic Prosperity and Gender Gaps: Evaluating Utah's Human Development Indexes

What the paper says

ABSTRACT: The measurement of alternative indicators of GDP reveals that Utah's significant economic growth over the past decade has not translated into improved well-being for women, highlighting persistent gender disparities. This study illustrates the limitations of GDP per capita as a sole measure of population well-being and gender equality. Using the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) methodology, we calculated the Human Development Index (HDI), Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI), and Gender Development Index (GDI) at the state level and by counties for Utah to assess gender-based human development differences for 2015 and 2020. By employing these indexes, which utilize publicly available data, the study provides a detailed view of gender disparities, revealing inconsistencies between economic development and gender equality across counties. The HDI provides a general assessment of human development, while the IHDI adjusts for inequality in the distribution of achievements, and the GDI compares HDI data between genders. Our findings reveal that although Utah has achieved substantial economic growth, this progress has not resulted in improved well-being for women, particularly at the county level. Specifically, counties with higher HDI scores do not necessarily demonstrate gender equality when examined through the GDI. This discrepancy points to a persistent gap between economic development and gender equality. Notably, regions with elevated human development levels are often marked by significant gender disparities, indicating that GDP per capita alone is an insufficient indicator of overall well-being, particularly regarding gender equality. These results underscore the need for a broader approach that incorporates gender-sensitive measures to accurately reflect human development. Based on these findings, the study advocates for policies that integrate gender-sensitive metrics alongside conventional economic indicators. Policymakers should consider adopting a wider range of metrics, such as the GDI, to better capture the interplay between economic growth and gender equality. Such an approach would help illuminate the specific areas where interventions are needed to promote gender equality. By emphasizing gender equality within human development strategies, policymakers can foster more inclusive and sustainable growth that benefits society, offering a hopeful vision for the future.