Capabilities approach

Definition

The capabilities approach is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of individual capabilities and functionings in assessing human well-being and development. It shifts the focus from traditional economic measures of development, such as income or GDP, to what individuals can actually do and be in their lives, promoting a more holistic understanding of development that includes social, political, and gender dimensions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capabilities approach was developed by economist Amartya Sen in the late 20th century as a response to conventional economic metrics that often overlook individual well-being.
2. It highlights the importance of freedom and choice in people's lives, suggesting that true development must enhance individuals' abilities to pursue what they value.
3. In the context of gender and development policies, the capabilities approach stresses the need for women's empowerment through education, healthcare, and access to resources.
4. This framework advocates for the removal of barriers that limit individuals' capabilities, including social norms, economic inequalities, and systemic discrimination.
5. By focusing on what individuals can achieve, the capabilities approach encourages policymakers to design interventions that consider both individual aspirations and social contexts.

Review Questions

• How does the capabilities approach differ from traditional economic measures of development?
  • The capabilities approach differs from traditional economic measures by focusing on what individuals can actually achieve in their lives rather than just quantifiable metrics like income or GDP. It emphasizes personal freedoms and choices as essential components of development, arguing that true progress should enhance people's abilities to pursue meaningful lives. This perspective is particularly relevant in understanding gender inequalities, as it helps identify barriers women face in achieving their potential.
• Discuss the implications of the capabilities approach for gender equality in post-colonial development policies.
  • The implications of the capabilities approach for gender equality in post-colonial development policies are significant. This framework encourages policymakers to recognize and address the specific needs and barriers faced by women in various cultural contexts. By prioritizing women's empowerment through education, healthcare access, and economic opportunities, development policies can foster environments where women can develop their capabilities. Such an approach challenges existing power dynamics and promotes social justice by actively working towards removing systemic inequalities that hinder women's potential.
• Evaluate how the capabilities approach can be utilized to assess the effectiveness of development interventions aimed at women in post-colonial states.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of development interventions aimed at women in post-colonial states using the capabilities approach, one must consider both qualitative and quantitative outcomes related to women's agency. This includes assessing improvements not only in economic indicators but also in areas like education access, health outcomes, and political participation. By examining whether interventions have genuinely enhanced women's abilities to make choices and pursue goals important to them, policymakers can ensure that strategies align with their lived experiences. Ultimately, this thorough evaluation helps determine if interventions contribute meaningfully to women's empowerment and broader societal change.

Related terms

Human Development Index (HDI): A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender; a crucial aspect of the capabilities approach that seeks to empower women.

Social Justice: The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities, which is a key consideration in the capabilities approach.