Discuss whether real GDP per head is an ideal measure to compare living standards between countries. Justify your answer.

Real GDP per head measures the total value of goods and services produced in an economy, adjusted for inflation, divided by the population. It provides an indication of the average income and material well-being available to each person, reflecting the potential for consumption.

It fails to account for income distribution. A high average GDP per head can mask significant inequality, where a small portion of the population enjoys most of the wealth, while many live in poverty. Therefore, it doesn't reflect the actual living standards of the majority.

Real GDP per head excludes non-market activities such as household production, volunteer work, or the informal economy, which contribute to people's well-being but are not traded in markets. It also doesn't capture crucial quality of life factors like environmental quality, leisure time, health, education levels, or political freedoms, all of which are vital components of living standards.

When comparing across countries, differences in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) are not always fully captured. The same amount of money can buy vastly different quantities of goods and services in different countries, meaning a direct comparison of nominal GDP per head can be misleading.

Therefore, while real GDP per head offers a valuable snapshot of economic output, its limitations mean it is not a comprehensive or ideal measure for comparing the true living standards between nations.