Using cross-sectional time series data from a large group of African countries, we examine the effects of income, institutions and social capital—with emphasis on the latter—on literacy and life expectancy. The empirical results confirm that income has a positive contribution. We also show...

Using cross-sectional time series data from a large group of African countries, we examine the effects of income, institutions and social capital - with emphasis on the latter - on literacy and life expectancy. The empirical results confirm that income has a positive contribution. We also show...

This paper develops a framework that uses fuzzy-set theory to measure human well-being. Fuzzy sets allow for gradual transition from one state to another while also allowing one to incorporate rules and goals, and hence are more appropriate for measuring outcomes that are ambiguous. Such...

Using cross-sectional time series data, we examine the effects of income, institutions and social capital on literacy and life expectancy. An improvement in institutions has positive influence on literacy but does not seem to affect life expectancy. In addition, countries with high income may...

Sen’s influential work on human development has led economists to explore new areas that have become increasingly important for human well-being. In particular, Sen emphasizes the importance of the "freedom to choose". Freedom, however, is not always an exact (crisp) outcome, and membership in...