Question

human development index (hdi) and gender inequality index (gii)
hdi ranking | country | hdi | gii | gii ranking
1 | norway | 0.95 | 0.048 | 8
2 | switzerland | 0.94 | 0.039 | 1
3 | australia | 0.94 | 0.109 | 25
4 | ireland | 0.94 | 0.109 | 25
5 | germany | 0.94 | 0.072 | 16
6 | iceland | 0.94 | 0.062 | 11
7 | sweden | 0.93 | 0.044 | 3
8 | singapore | 0.93 | 0.067 | 8
9 | netherlands | 0.93 | 0.044 | 3
10 | denmark | 0.93 | 0.040 | 2
source: united nations development programme
based on the data in the table, which of the following statements is accurate?
a the hdi and gii are directly related; as one increases so does the other.
b as economic development increases, the percent of women in the workforce increases.
c increased levels of economic development often conceal gender inequities.
d gender equality is closely tied to cultural norms and not affected by economic conditions.
e since the gii is one component of hdi, hdi always increases with gii.

Explanation:

• Option A: HDI (Human Development Index) measures development; GII (Gender Inequality Index) measures gender inequality. A higher HDI (more development) often correlates with a lower GII (less gender inequality), so they are inversely related, not directly. Eliminate A.
• Option B: As economic development (higher HDI) increases, countries tend to have more gender - equal policies and opportunities, which often leads to a higher percentage of women in the workforce. For example, countries with high HDI like Switzerland, Norway have relatively good gender - inclusive labor markets. This statement is consistent with the relationship between economic development and gender - related workforce participation.
• Option C: Increased economic development (higher HDI) generally leads to more gender equality (lower GII), not concealing gender inequities. For example, high - HDI countries like Switzerland have a low GII, showing progress in gender equality. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Economic conditions do affect gender equality. For example, economic development can provide resources for gender - equal education and employment policies. So gender equality is affected by economic conditions, and this statement is wrong. Eliminate D.
• Option E: GII is not a component of HDI. HDI is calculated based on life expectancy, education, and income. GII is a separate index measuring gender inequality. So this statement is factually wrong. Eliminate E.

Answer:

B. As economic development increases, the percent of women in the workforce increases.