The main objective of this paper is to measure changes in living conditions in one hundred and ten countries of the World during the period 1961 to 1990. Our concern is whether the economic and social gap is narrowing or widening. We also examine in which countries has there been a consistent improvement in average living standards. The standard of living is measured in terms of (a) per capita income, (b) life expectancy at birth and (c) infant mortality rate. The justification of these indicators is provided in terms of functionings and capabilities.
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