Capabilities approach

Definition

The capabilities approach is a theoretical framework that focuses on what individuals are able to do and be in life, emphasizing the importance of personal freedoms and opportunities. It moves beyond traditional measures of well-being, such as GDP, by considering various factors that contribute to an individual's quality of life, including health, education, and social participation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capabilities approach was developed by economist Amartya Sen as a response to the limitations of GDP in capturing well-being and quality of life.
2. It highlights the importance of individual agency and the ability to make choices, acknowledging that well-being is not just about material wealth.
3. In this framework, inequality is measured not only by resources but also by the capabilities people have to pursue their goals and lead fulfilling lives.
4. The capabilities approach emphasizes that different individuals may require different resources or support to achieve similar functionings due to varying personal circumstances.
5. This approach has influenced policies and development programs aimed at improving human welfare by focusing on enhancing individual capabilities rather than just economic growth.

Review Questions

• How does the capabilities approach challenge traditional economic measures like GDP?
  • The capabilities approach challenges traditional economic measures like GDP by emphasizing that well-being cannot be fully understood through monetary value alone. While GDP focuses on economic output, the capabilities approach considers the range of opportunities available to individuals to lead meaningful lives. This includes factors such as health, education, and social inclusion, which are crucial for assessing overall quality of life rather than simply measuring economic transactions.
• Evaluate how the capabilities approach can inform public policy aimed at improving social welfare.
  • The capabilities approach can significantly inform public policy by shifting the focus from purely economic growth to enhancing individual freedoms and opportunities. Policies designed with this approach in mind would prioritize access to education, healthcare, and social services as means to empower individuals. By recognizing that different people require different support based on their unique circumstances, policies can be tailored to ensure equitable access to resources that foster capability development.
• Propose a strategy for implementing the capabilities approach in assessing national progress beyond economic metrics, considering its broader implications.
  • Implementing the capabilities approach in assessing national progress could involve creating a multidimensional index that captures various aspects of human development beyond economic metrics. This index could incorporate indicators related to health, education quality, political participation, and social equity. By analyzing these dimensions collectively, policymakers would gain insights into the well-being of citizens and identify areas needing improvement. This broader perspective not only shifts priorities towards enhancing individual capabilities but also fosters a more inclusive and equitable society.

Related terms

Functionings: The various states of being and activities that individuals can achieve, which are considered essential to a good life.

Human Development Index (HDI): A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

Social Justice: The fair distribution of resources and opportunities in society, ensuring that all individuals have the means to achieve their potential.