Amartya Sen

Definition

Amartya Sen is an influential Indian economist and philosopher known for his work on welfare economics, development theory, and social justice. He has significantly contributed to understanding poverty and inequality, arguing that these issues should be assessed through capabilities rather than merely income levels. His ideas have reshaped how we consider poverty, emphasizing the importance of individual well-being and social exclusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his contributions to welfare economics and social choice theory.
2. He introduced the concept of 'entitlements', which links people's access to resources with their capabilities to achieve well-being.
3. Sen's work on famine demonstrated that famines are often caused by inequalities in food distribution rather than a lack of food supply.
4. He emphasizes the importance of participatory development, where individuals have a say in decisions affecting their lives, empowering communities to address their own needs.
5. Sen's analysis of poverty shifts the focus from mere income metrics to a more holistic view that includes health, education, and social connections.

Review Questions

• How does Amartya Sen's Capabilities Approach differ from traditional measures of poverty?
  • Sen's Capabilities Approach diverges from traditional poverty measures by emphasizing individual capabilities and freedoms rather than just income levels. Traditional metrics often focus solely on monetary thresholds to define poverty, while Sen argues that true poverty should be assessed by what people can actually do or be. This shift highlights the importance of access to education, health care, and social participation as integral components of well-being.
• In what ways did Amartya Sen's research change the understanding of famine causes?
  • Sen's research revolutionized the understanding of famines by demonstrating that they are not solely due to food shortages but are often linked to inequalities in food distribution and access. By analyzing historical famines, he showed that social structures and political factors play a crucial role in determining who suffers during food crises. This perspective has led to policies that focus more on equitable resource distribution rather than just increasing food production.
• Evaluate the implications of Amartya Sen's work on policy-making aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.
  • Sen's work has profound implications for policy-making aimed at alleviating poverty and inequality by advocating for a broader approach that prioritizes human capabilities over mere economic growth. This perspective encourages governments to invest in education, health care, and social services as essential tools for empowerment. As a result, policies inspired by Sen's ideas aim not only to increase incomes but also to enhance individuals' overall well-being and capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Related terms

Capabilities Approach: A theoretical framework developed by Sen that focuses on what individuals are able to do and be, highlighting the importance of freedom and opportunity in assessing well-being.

Human Development Index (HDI): An index created to measure a country's social and economic development based on health, education, and per capita income indicators, emphasizing a broader understanding of human progress.

Social Exclusion: The process through which individuals or groups are systematically blocked from various rights, opportunities, and resources, often leading to marginalization in society.