Capability approach

Definition

The capability approach is a theoretical framework that emphasizes individuals' abilities to achieve well-being and live a life they have reason to value. This approach shifts the focus from traditional measures of welfare, like income, to the actual capabilities that people have to pursue different opportunities and outcomes in their lives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capability approach was developed by economist Amartya Sen in the 1980s as a response to limitations in traditional welfare economics.
2. It considers not just what people have (like money or goods) but what they can actually do with those resources to improve their lives.
3. This approach recognizes that people have different needs and preferences, which means that two individuals with the same income might have different levels of well-being based on their capabilities.
4. The capability approach has been widely applied in areas like poverty measurement, education policy, and health care, offering a more nuanced understanding of individual circumstances.
5. In poverty line measurements, the capability approach challenges simplistic income-based assessments by highlighting the importance of access to essential services and opportunities for achieving well-being.

Review Questions

• How does the capability approach differ from traditional measures of poverty?
  • The capability approach differs from traditional measures of poverty by focusing on what individuals can actually do with their resources rather than just their income levels. While traditional measures often use income thresholds to define poverty, the capability approach looks at people's abilities to achieve meaningful functionings and well-being. This perspective allows for a richer understanding of poverty, recognizing that two people with the same income might experience poverty differently based on their capabilities.
• What implications does the capability approach have for assessing social policies aimed at reducing poverty?
  • The capability approach has significant implications for assessing social policies because it advocates for a focus on enhancing individuals' abilities rather than merely providing financial assistance. Policies should aim to improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services that enable individuals to develop their capabilities. By shifting the focus from income support alone to comprehensive support that enhances overall well-being, policymakers can create more effective strategies for alleviating poverty.
• Evaluate how the capability approach can inform our understanding of inequality beyond economic measures.
  • The capability approach provides a deeper understanding of inequality by emphasizing that disparities exist not just in wealth but in individuals' actual opportunities to achieve well-being. By recognizing that factors like health, education, and social connections significantly impact one's capabilities, this framework highlights how structural inequalities can limit certain groups' abilities to thrive. This broader perspective encourages policymakers and researchers to consider diverse strategies for promoting equality that extend beyond mere economic redistribution.

Related terms

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

Well-being: Well-being refers to the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy, which can be influenced by both material resources and individual capabilities.

Social justice: Social justice is a concept of fair and just relations between individuals and society, encompassing issues like equity, access to resources, and the distribution of wealth.