A bstract . Kerala State, India , had a per capita income of abott $290 for 1985, about the same as other Indian states. But Kerala has a Physical Quality of Life Index of 79 (compared to 43 for India). Saudi Arabia has a per capita income of $8,850 for 1985 but a PQLI of 28. How come? Of course, per capita income does not measure income distribution and India is a plural democracy while Saudi Arabia is an authoritarian monarchy . But the critical factor may well be culture.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Chennat Gopalakrishnan (1988) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: