Human capital development and quality of life in developing economies: A systematic literature review and future agenda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55573/JISED.118735Keywords:
human capital, quality of life, developing economies, SLRAbstract
Human capital development (HCD) is an important driver of economic and social development, yet evidence on its relationship with quality of life (QoL) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains fragmented across different dimensions and population groups. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesises existing evidence to examine the relationship between HCD and QoL, identify key thematic patterns, and establish priorities for future research. The review, conducted following the PRISMA paradigm, evaluates 68 studies taken from the Scopus database, comprising 41 nations in five geographical regions and publications from 2000 to 2026. Results identify four important themes, including social capital and well-being, health capital and economic productivity, QoL in vulnerable populations, and education and cognitive capital. Overall, social capital is typically favourably connected with well-being, but its influence is differential for health conditions and social environments. Health interventions have large potential economic and social rewards. But disparities in evaluation approaches impede comparability. Outcomes in quality of life remain worse for vulnerable people. Education and maternal well-being are linked to intergenerational gains. This review adds to the literature by integrating information across several human capital domains, and stressing the importance of socioeconomic background and vulnerability in determining QoL outcomes. It also addresses methodological and empirical limitations, calling for longitudinal research, standardised economic evaluations, and equity-focused approaches. From an Islamic development viewpoint, these findings further underscore the importance of social justice, human dignity, and holistic well-being for the promotion of inclusive human development. The findings have implications for the design of more integrated and inclusive human capital programs in developing economies.
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