Capabilities approach

Definition

The capabilities approach is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of individual abilities and freedoms in assessing well-being and social justice. It focuses on what people are actually able to do and be, rather than merely measuring resources or utilities, highlighting the significance of human capabilities in achieving a flourishing life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capabilities approach was developed by philosophers like Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of well-being beyond mere economic indicators.
2. It shifts the focus from utilitarian measures of happiness to the actual freedoms people have to pursue their goals and aspirations.
3. This approach has significant implications for policy-making, advocating for social arrangements that enhance individuals' capabilities and remove barriers to their development.
4. The capabilities approach critiques traditional welfare economics for neglecting the qualitative aspects of human life and the diversity of individual needs and circumstances.
5. Martha Nussbaum's list of central capabilities outlines essential areas that should be supported for individuals to lead fulfilling lives, influencing discussions on education, healthcare, and human rights.

Review Questions

• How does the capabilities approach differ from traditional economic measures of well-being?
  • The capabilities approach differs from traditional economic measures by prioritizing individual freedoms and abilities over mere resources or utility. While conventional metrics like GDP focus on economic output, the capabilities approach considers what individuals can actually achieve in terms of functionings. This perspective allows for a richer understanding of well-being that accounts for diverse human experiences and values, fostering policies that enhance real opportunities for all.
• Discuss how the capabilities approach can inform public policy in addressing social inequalities.
  • The capabilities approach can inform public policy by highlighting the need to create conditions that enable individuals to develop their capabilities and pursue their goals. This means addressing barriers such as lack of access to education, healthcare, or social services. By focusing on enhancing capabilities rather than simply distributing resources, policies can be designed to promote social justice and empower marginalized groups, leading to more equitable outcomes in society.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the capabilities approach as a framework for assessing social justice.
  • The strengths of the capabilities approach lie in its holistic view of human well-being, emphasizing individual agency and the importance of personal freedoms in achieving a good life. It challenges traditional metrics by focusing on actual capabilities rather than just economic output. However, its limitations include potential difficulties in operationalizing the concept of capabilities for measurement and comparison across different contexts. Additionally, determining which capabilities are essential can be subjective and culturally contingent, raising questions about universality versus particularity in social justice assessments.

Related terms

Functionings: Functionings refer to the various things a person may value doing or being, such as being healthy, being educated, or participating in community life.

Sen's Development as Freedom: A work by Amartya Sen that argues development should be assessed by the expansion of people's capabilities rather than merely by economic growth.

Social Justice: Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities, emphasizing the fair distribution of wealth, resources, and privileges within a society.