Amartya Sen

Definition

Amartya Sen is an Indian economist and philosopher known for his work on welfare economics, social choice theory, and development economics. He is particularly recognized for introducing the concept of 'capability', which emphasizes the importance of individual freedoms and opportunities in assessing well-being and development, rather than merely focusing on income or economic growth. His ideas challenge traditional views of economic development and provide a framework for understanding the complexities of poverty, inequality, and human welfare.

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 social choice theory.
2. His book 'Development as Freedom' argues that economic development should enhance people's freedoms and capabilities, not just increase wealth.
3. Sen's work has influenced global policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social justice by focusing on individual capabilities.
4. He emphasizes the role of democracy and public participation in economic development as essential to achieving true progress.
5. Sen's capability approach has been adopted by various international organizations, shaping how they assess development and humanitarian efforts.

Review Questions

• How does Amartya Sen's capability approach redefine traditional views of economic development?
  • Amartya Sen's capability approach redefines traditional economic development by shifting the focus from mere income growth to enhancing individuals' capabilities and freedoms. This perspective highlights that true development involves empowering people to lead lives they value, ensuring they have access to essential resources, education, and opportunities. By emphasizing individual well-being over economic metrics alone, Sen challenges policymakers to consider broader social factors in their strategies for development.
• In what ways has Sen's work on poverty influenced international policies aimed at social justice?
  • Sen's view of poverty as capability deprivation has significantly influenced international policies by encouraging a holistic understanding of poverty that goes beyond income levels. His insights have led organizations like the United Nations Development Programme to incorporate the capability approach into their assessments, focusing on improving education, healthcare, and empowerment. This shift has prompted policymakers to design programs that address the root causes of poverty while promoting social inclusion and equity.
• Evaluate the implications of Amartya Sen's ideas for addressing regional disparities in economic growth.
  • Amartya Sen's ideas have profound implications for addressing regional disparities in economic growth by underscoring the need to prioritize human capabilities alongside economic metrics. By advocating for investments in education, health care, and social services in underdeveloped regions, his framework encourages targeted policies that uplift marginalized communities. This approach recognizes that enhancing individual opportunities fosters sustainable growth, ultimately reducing inequalities and promoting a more equitable distribution of resources across regions.

Related terms

Capability Approach: A theoretical framework developed by Amartya Sen that assesses individual well-being based on the capabilities and opportunities people have to achieve desired outcomes.

Human Development Index (HDI):

A composite index created to measure a country's average achievements in health, education, and income, reflecting the broader aspects of human development beyond economic growth.

Poverty as Capability Deprivation: Sen's perspective that poverty should be viewed not only as a lack of income but as a deprivation of basic capabilities necessary for living a fulfilling life.