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Question

Level of per capita GDP depends upon which of the following?

1. Proportion of population in the working age

2. Work participation rate

3. Per worker productivity

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2024 Maths Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is

1, 2 and 3

Understanding Per Capita GDP Determinants

Per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a key economic indicator that represents the average economic output per person in a country or region. It's calculated by dividing the total GDP by the country's total population. The question asks which factors influence the level of per capita GDP. Let's analyze each factor:

Factor 1: Proportion of Population in Working Age

The proportion of population in the working age (typically considered ages 15-64) is a significant determinant of per capita GDP. A larger share of the population within this age group generally means a larger potential labor force. With more people available to work, the economy has a greater capacity to produce goods and services, which can lead to higher overall GDP. If this larger working-age population is effectively utilized, it can significantly boost per capita GDP. Conversely, a population heavily skewed towards younger dependents or older retirees might have a lower per capita GDP, assuming other factors remain constant, due to a smaller workforce supporting a larger dependent population.

Factor 2: Work Participation Rate

The work participation rate, also known as the labor force participation rate, measures the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment. This rate directly impacts per capita GDP because it indicates how much of the potential workforce is actually contributing to economic activity. A higher work participation rate means more individuals are engaged in production, generating income and output. Even if a country has a large working-age population (Factor 1), a low participation rate (perhaps due to lack of job opportunities, extended education, or social norms) will limit the economy's productive capacity and potentially lower the per capita GDP.

Factor 3: Per Worker Productivity

Per worker productivity measures the efficiency of labor, essentially how much output (goods and services) is produced per worker or per hour worked. This is a crucial driver of per capita GDP. Higher productivity means each worker contributes more value to the economy. Increases in productivity, often driven by technological advancements, better capital investment (machinery, tools), improved education and skills, and efficient management practices, directly lead to higher total GDP. Since per capita GDP is GDP divided by population, boosting productivity naturally increases the GDP component, thus raising the per capita GDP.

Conclusion on Per Capita GDP Factors

Based on the analysis, all three factors – the proportion of population in the working age, the work participation rate, and per worker productivity – play vital roles in determining a nation's per capita GDP. A strong economy capable of generating high per capita GDP typically benefits from a favourable age structure, high labor force engagement, and efficient production processes. Therefore, the combination of all three factors is essential.

Final Answer Summary

  • The size of the working-age population provides the potential labor force.
  • The work participation rate determines how many of the potential workers are actually in the labor force.
  • Per worker productivity measures the output generated by each worker.
  • All these elements combined influence the overall economic output relative to the population size, hence affecting per capita GDP.

This confirms that options 1, 2, and 3 are all correct influences on per capita GDP.

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Similar Questions

  1. Which of the following statement(s) are true with respect to the concept of ‘EFFICIENCY’ as used in mainstream economics?

    1. Efficiency occurs when no possible organization of production can make anyone better off without making someone else worse off.
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    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Important Questions from National Income Accounting

  1. A Giffen good exhibits an upward-sloping demand curve, a unique characteristic where the Law of Demand is violated. This phenomenon primarily arises when the negative income effect of a price change is so substantial that it outweighs the substitution effect. Based on this, which statement correctly describes the nature of the overall price effect and the income effect for a Giffen good?
  2. In the context of Indian economy, consider the following statements: 

    1) The growth rate of GDP has steadily increased in the last five years. 

    2) The growth rate in per capita income has steadily increased in the last five years. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  3. The national income of a country for a given period is equal to the

  4. Which of the following Institutions estimate the national income of India?

  5. During a recession when GDP falls, disposable income _______.

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