Amartya Sen

Definition

Amartya Sen is an Indian economist and philosopher, best known for his work on welfare economics, development theory, and social justice. His influential ideas have greatly contributed to understanding how economic development and globalization impact human well-being, emphasizing the importance of individual capabilities over mere economic growth.

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 his work on poverty and famine.
2. Sen argues that economic growth alone does not guarantee improved quality of life; instead, he emphasizes enhancing individuals' capabilities and freedoms.
3. His Capability Approach has influenced international development policies, shifting the focus from merely increasing GDP to improving citizens' overall well-being.
4. Sen's work addresses inequalities and emphasizes the importance of social justice in the context of globalization, advocating for inclusive growth.
5. His research indicates that understanding local contexts and individual needs is crucial for effective policy-making in global development.

Review Questions

• How does Amartya Sen's Capability Approach redefine our understanding of economic development?
  • Amartya Sen's Capability Approach redefines economic development by shifting the focus from traditional measures like GDP to enhancing individuals' capabilities and freedoms. This perspective emphasizes what people are actually able to do with their resources, prioritizing quality of life over mere economic indicators. By highlighting the importance of individual agency and well-being, Sen's approach encourages policies that foster human development rather than solely economic growth.
• Discuss the implications of Sen's work on poverty and famine for global policies addressing food security.
  • Sen's work on poverty and famine highlights that food security is not just about food availability but also about individuals' entitlement to access food. His Entitlement Theory shows that famines can occur even in food-abundant areas if people lack the means to acquire it. This insight has significant implications for global policies; it suggests that addressing poverty and inequalities is essential for preventing hunger. Thus, policies should focus on improving access to resources rather than only increasing food production.
• Evaluate how Amartya Sen's ideas about social justice influence contemporary discussions on globalization and inequality.
  • Amartya Sen's ideas about social justice significantly influence contemporary discussions on globalization by highlighting the relationship between economic integration and social equity. He argues that globalization should enhance people's capabilities rather than exacerbate inequalities. This evaluation leads to calls for inclusive policies that ensure marginalized groups benefit from global economic opportunities. By framing globalization as a potential force for good if managed with a focus on human well-being, Sen urges a rethinking of how international trade and investment are structured.

Related terms

Capability Approach: A framework developed by Amartya Sen that focuses on what individuals are able to do and to be, promoting a broader understanding of development beyond income and wealth.

Human Development Index (HDI):

An index created to measure a country's social and economic development based on factors like life expectancy, education level, and per capita income, reflecting Sen's emphasis on human well-being.

Entitlement Theory: A concept introduced by Sen that examines the relationship between individuals' rights to resources and their ability to obtain food and necessities, highlighting the causes of famine.