Amartya Sen

Definition

Amartya Sen is an Indian economist and philosopher, renowned for his work on welfare economics, social choice theory, and development economics. He is particularly known for his capability approach, which emphasizes the importance of individual capabilities and opportunities in assessing well-being and development, rather than solely focusing on income or wealth. His ideas have significantly influenced the understanding of economic development and the complexities involved in North-South relations.

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 and social choice theory.
2. His capability approach shifts the focus from traditional measures of development, like GDP, to assessing what individuals can actually do with their resources.
3. Sen has highlighted the role of poverty as a deprivation of basic capabilities rather than merely a lack of income, stressing the importance of empowerment.
4. He argues that economic development should address issues of inequality and social justice, impacting policies in both developing and developed nations.
5. Sen's work has influenced international development practices and policies, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of growth that considers human well-being.

Review Questions

• How does Amartya Sen's capability approach differ from traditional measures of economic development?
  • Amartya Sen's capability approach differs from traditional measures like GDP by focusing on individuals' actual abilities to achieve well-being rather than just their economic resources. This perspective emphasizes assessing the real freedoms people have to lead lives they value, highlighting issues such as education, health, and social inclusion. By prioritizing capabilities over mere income metrics, Sen encourages a more holistic understanding of what it means to develop economically.
• Evaluate the impact of Amartya Sen's ideas on the concept of poverty in the context of North-South relations.
  • Amartya Sen redefined poverty by arguing it should be viewed as a deprivation of capabilities rather than just low income. This shift has profound implications for North-South relations, as it urges policymakers in both regions to address underlying issues affecting human development. By recognizing that poverty encompasses broader dimensions like education, health care, and social participation, his work calls for a more integrated approach to international aid and development strategies aimed at empowering marginalized populations.
• Critically analyze how Amartya Sen's theories can be applied to contemporary issues in global economic development.
  • Amartya Sen's theories can be applied to contemporary global economic development challenges by highlighting the need for policies that prioritize human capabilities over mere economic indicators. For instance, addressing climate change impacts requires considering how vulnerable populations can adapt based on their capabilities. Additionally, in dealing with global health crises like pandemics, Sen's framework emphasizes equitable access to healthcare resources and education. This critical lens allows for comprehensive approaches that tackle systemic inequalities while promoting sustainable growth.

Related terms

Capability Approach: A theoretical framework developed by Amartya Sen that assesses well-being based on individuals' capabilities to achieve desired outcomes and function in society.

Human Development Index (HDI): A composite index used to measure a country's social and economic development levels, which includes factors like life expectancy, education, and per capita income.

Welfare Economics: A branch of economics that focuses on the optimal allocation of resources and goods to improve social welfare and overall economic efficiency.