Amartya Sen

Definition

Amartya Sen is an Indian economist and philosopher known for his work on welfare economics and development theory, particularly focusing on the concepts of human capabilities and social justice. He argues that economic development should not just be measured by GDP growth but by the improvement of people's overall quality of life and their freedoms. His work has reshaped the understanding of poverty, inequality, and the relationship between economic growth and social welfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Amartya Sen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his contributions to welfare economics.
2. He introduced the concept of 'capability deprivation,' which focuses on what individuals are able to do and to be, rather than just their material resources.
3. Sen's work highlights the importance of individual agency in addressing issues of poverty and inequality, arguing that people should have the freedom to pursue their own goals.
4. He has been influential in policy-making, promoting the idea that development policies should prioritize education, health care, and personal freedoms.
5. Sen co-authored the Human Development Report for the United Nations Development Programme, which shifted the focus from economic growth to human well-being.

Review Questions

• How does Amartya Sen's Capabilities Approach redefine the criteria for measuring economic development?
  • Amartya Sen's Capabilities Approach redefines economic development by shifting the focus from traditional metrics like GDP to individual well-being and freedoms. It emphasizes that true development should enhance people's abilities to achieve what they value in life, rather than merely increasing economic output. This approach encourages policymakers to consider factors such as health, education, and personal agency as critical elements in evaluating a society's progress.
• Discuss how Amartya Sen’s ideas on social justice relate to inequalities present in global economies today.
  • Amartya Sen’s ideas on social justice emphasize the need for equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, which is directly related to inequalities seen in today's global economies. He argues that economic policies should address not just income disparities but also access to education and healthcare. By highlighting how systemic barriers limit people's capabilities, Sen calls for a broader understanding of justice that includes addressing these inequalities to empower marginalized populations.
• Evaluate the impact of Amartya Sen's work on contemporary development policies and practices worldwide.
  • Amartya Sen's work has had a profound impact on contemporary development policies by shifting the discourse from mere economic growth to a holistic view of human development. His emphasis on capabilities has influenced international organizations and governments to create policies that prioritize health, education, and personal freedoms. As a result, many development programs now integrate approaches that focus on empowering individuals, thereby fostering more inclusive growth and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Related terms

Capabilities Approach: A framework developed by Amartya Sen that emphasizes enhancing individuals' capabilities to lead fulfilling lives as a measure of development.

Human Development Index (HDI):

A composite index created by the United Nations to measure a country's average achievements in health, education, and income, reflecting Amartya Sen's ideas on development.

Social Justice: A concept that emphasizes fair distribution of resources and opportunities in society, which is central to Sen's work on equity and economic development.