Capabilities approach

Definition

The capabilities approach is a theoretical framework that focuses on what individuals are able to do and be, emphasizing their freedoms and opportunities rather than just economic resources or utility. This approach shifts the discussion of poverty from purely monetary measures to a broader understanding of human well-being, allowing for a more comprehensive view of quality of life and personal development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capabilities approach was popularized by economist Amartya Sen, who argued that true poverty should be understood in terms of lack of capabilities rather than just lack of income.
2. This approach considers various factors like health, education, and personal agency as critical to assessing individual well-being.
3. By focusing on capabilities, this framework encourages policies aimed at expanding individuals' freedoms and choices rather than merely providing financial assistance.
4. The capabilities approach is often applied in evaluating social policies, measuring development outcomes, and understanding inequalities.
5. Critics argue that the capabilities approach can be subjective, as it relies on personal judgments about what constitutes valuable capabilities.

Review Questions

• How does the capabilities approach redefine our understanding of poverty compared to traditional economic measures?
  • The capabilities approach redefines poverty by focusing on what people are able to do and be rather than just their income level. Traditional measures often rely heavily on monetary thresholds or consumption levels, which can overlook the broader aspects of human well-being. By emphasizing individual freedoms and opportunities, the capabilities approach reveals that even those above the poverty line may lack essential capabilities necessary for a fulfilling life.
• In what ways can policymakers use the capabilities approach to design more effective interventions for poverty alleviation?
  • Policymakers can utilize the capabilities approach by creating programs that not only provide financial resources but also enhance education, healthcare access, and opportunities for personal development. By understanding poverty through the lens of capabilities, interventions can be tailored to address specific barriers individuals face in achieving their potential. This might include investing in community resources, offering vocational training, or ensuring access to quality healthcare, which can all expand individuals' capabilities and improve overall well-being.
• Evaluate the implications of adopting the capabilities approach for measuring development progress in different countries.
  • Adopting the capabilities approach for measuring development progress has significant implications for how we assess success across different countries. It encourages a shift away from solely economic indicators like GDP towards metrics that capture quality of life and individual empowerment. This broader perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of development challenges faced by various nations and highlights the importance of equity in enhancing people's freedoms. Ultimately, it promotes accountability among governments and international organizations to ensure that their policies genuinely enhance individuals' abilities to thrive.

Related terms

Human Development Index: A composite index that measures average achievement in three basic aspects of human development: health, education, and standard of living.

Poverty Line: An income threshold used to determine the minimum level of income deemed adequate to maintain a standard of living in a given country.

Social Justice: The view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities, often discussed in relation to equity and fairness.