Capability approach

Definition

The capability approach is a theoretical framework that focuses on what individuals are able to do and to be in their lives, emphasizing the importance of freedom and choice in achieving well-being. It highlights the disparities in individuals' capabilities to pursue various life paths and recognizes that economic resources alone do not determine quality of life. This approach is connected to poverty alleviation efforts, encouraging development strategies that expand people's freedoms and opportunities rather than just increasing income levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capability approach was developed by economist Amartya Sen, who argued that assessing well-being should consider people’s abilities to lead fulfilling lives.
2. This approach encourages policymakers to focus on enhancing individual freedoms and capabilities as a primary goal of development initiatives.
3. It has significantly influenced international development agencies, pushing them to adopt more holistic measures of poverty that include health, education, and personal freedoms.
4. Critics argue that the capability approach can be difficult to measure due to its subjective nature, as different individuals may have different definitions of well-being.
5. The capability approach is often contrasted with utilitarian perspectives that focus solely on utility or happiness as measures of progress and development.

Review Questions

• How does the capability approach redefine the understanding of poverty beyond mere income levels?
  • The capability approach redefines poverty by shifting the focus from income as the sole indicator of well-being to the actual capabilities individuals possess to achieve their desired life outcomes. It emphasizes that merely having financial resources does not guarantee that people can access healthcare, education, or personal freedoms. By considering the real opportunities available to individuals, this approach highlights the need for development strategies that empower people and enhance their ability to live fulfilling lives.
• What role do international development agencies play in implementing the capability approach for poverty alleviation?
  • International development agencies are increasingly adopting the capability approach as a framework for their poverty alleviation strategies. By focusing on enhancing individual capabilities rather than just providing financial aid, these agencies aim to create sustainable changes in people's lives. This might involve investing in education, healthcare, and social services that empower individuals to make choices that improve their overall quality of life. Such an approach not only addresses immediate needs but also helps build a foundation for long-term development.
• Evaluate the implications of adopting the capability approach for future development policies and practices aimed at reducing global poverty.
  • Adopting the capability approach has significant implications for future development policies aimed at reducing global poverty. It encourages a shift from traditional economic growth metrics toward more comprehensive indicators of human well-being. This could lead to policies that prioritize health care access, education, and social equity, fostering environments where all individuals can thrive. As this perspective gains traction among policymakers, it may reshape funding priorities and program designs to support initiatives that enhance people’s capabilities, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable poverty reduction efforts.

Related terms

Functionings: Functionings refer to the various things a person may value doing or being, such as being healthy, educated, or having a decent living standard.

Social Justice: Social justice involves the fair distribution of resources and opportunities in society, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to capabilities.

Poverty: Poverty is a condition where individuals lack sufficient resources to meet basic needs, which can be better understood through the lens of capabilities rather than just income levels.