Capabilities Approach

Definition

The capabilities approach is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of individuals' abilities to achieve well-being and live fulfilling lives. It shifts the focus from traditional welfare metrics, like income or resources, to what people can actually do with those resources, highlighting the role of personal agency and societal conditions in realizing human rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capabilities approach was popularized by Amartya Sen in the 1980s as a response to limitations in traditional measures of welfare.
2. This approach recognizes that human rights are not just about having resources but also about having the freedom and opportunity to use them effectively.
3. It highlights the importance of context and individual differences in determining what capabilities individuals can achieve.
4. The capabilities approach has influenced various fields including economics, philosophy, and development studies, advocating for policies that enhance people's freedoms.
5. By focusing on capabilities, this approach aligns closely with human rights principles, promoting not just survival but also thriving and well-being.

Review Questions

• How does the capabilities approach redefine our understanding of human rights compared to traditional views?
  • The capabilities approach redefines human rights by shifting focus from mere access to resources or entitlements to actual opportunities for individuals to achieve well-being. Traditional views often emphasize the provision of goods or services, but the capabilities approach stresses that individuals need the ability to use these resources meaningfully in their lives. This perspective considers factors like personal agency and societal barriers, arguing that true human rights involve ensuring individuals have the freedom to pursue their own goals and aspirations.
• In what ways can the capabilities approach inform policy-making for social justice?
  • The capabilities approach can significantly inform policy-making by emphasizing the need for policies that enhance individual freedoms and opportunities. Instead of focusing solely on economic indicators or resource distribution, policies can be designed to remove barriers that prevent people from realizing their potential. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and social services that empower individuals to build their capabilities, thereby promoting a more equitable society where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
• Evaluate the impact of the capabilities approach on global discussions about poverty and inequality.
  • The capabilities approach has transformed global discussions about poverty and inequality by challenging conventional metrics that solely measure economic growth or income levels. By prioritizing what individuals can actually do with resources, it highlights how structural inequalities can inhibit personal development. This perspective encourages global policies that focus on enhancing individual capabilities through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more holistic understanding of poverty that encompasses not just material deprivation but also lack of opportunities and freedoms essential for a dignified life.

Related terms

Human Development Index: A composite index that measures a country's average achievements in three basic aspects of human development: health, education, and standard of living.

Sen's Capability Theory: A framework proposed by economist Amartya Sen that underpins the capabilities approach, focusing on what individuals are able to be and do, rather than solely on their utility or income.

Social Justice: The fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society, emphasizing equality and equity in social policies.