Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.3935/rsp.v22i3.1237
A Critical Analysis of the Croatian Development Index: Three Types of Development and Their Regional Position
Sven Marcelić
orcid.org/0000-0003-4755-2796
; Odjel za sociologiju Sveučilišta u Zadru
Abstract
The paper is based on the analysis of the Croatian Development Index published in 2013 and its indicators on the local self-government level. The first part of the paper describes the index construction, as well as theoretical and practical problems associated with the construction of composite indices and their role in development theory. The second part presents the conducted analysis of the components and cluster analysis of indices for 556 local self-government units in the Republic of Croatia. Based on the analysis, six clusters and three types of development shown by the index have been identified: low development, unit development and human development. It was revealed that the index favours unit development, characteristic for littoral units, based on high incomes of towns and municipalities and population trends, at the expense of human development expressed through employment, personal income and education, although the intention of the index is quite contrary. It has been concluded that the index should be modified to better emphasise the human development component.
Keywords
Croatian development index; developmental policy; regional development; composite index; local self-government
Hrčak ID:
149858
URI
Publication date:
17.12.2015.
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