Human Capital Approach: Historical Development and Modern Approaches

Authors : İbrahim Ethem Akyıldız

Pages : 65-84

Doi:10.56337/sbm.1647692

View : 51 | Download : 56

Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Although the concept of human capital was formally developed in the 20th century, its origins date back centuries. Human capital refers to individuals\\\' productive capacity and their role as income-generating agents. Introduced into professional use in the 1960s, the concept extends the principles of capital theory to the human elements of production. During this period, prominent economists laid the foundations of human capital theory, establishing it as a central component of economic analysis. Human capital is crucial in modern growth theories, contributing significantly to economic development. This study examines human capital theories and conceptual definitions proposed by leading economists and provides a detailed analysis of selected human capital approaches. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of education and the development of labor force skills in economic growth. The findings demonstrate that human capital theories will continue to evolve, further enhancing their economic contributions over time.
Keywords : Beşeri Sermaye, Beşeri Sermaye Yaklaşımları, Ekonomik Büyüme