A country’s real income rises but mental stress increases because working time rises and family time falls. What is the most balanced conclusion?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Economic welfare may rise but total human welfare may not necessarily rise
Higher real income generally indicates greater command over goods and services, so economic welfare may improve. Yet welfare is broader than income: longer working hours can reduce leisure and family interaction, while mental stress can harm health and life satisfaction. The correct conclusion is therefore qualified rather than absolute. D recognizes that economic welfare may rise while total human welfare is uncertain or may decline. A and B ignore non-economic costs, and C contradicts the stated rise in real income.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Economic welfare may rise but total human welfare may not necessarily rise
Why is this the correct answer?
Higher real income generally indicates greater command over goods and services, so economic welfare may improve. Yet welfare is broader than income: longer working hours can reduce leisure and family interaction, while mental stress can harm health and life satisfaction. The correct conclusion is therefore qualified rather than absolute. D recognizes that economic welfare may rise while total human welfare is uncertain or may decline. A and B ignore non-economic costs, and C contradicts the stated rise in real income.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 11 Economics question. Chapter: National Income and Related Aggregates. Topic: GDP and Welfare.
