Capability approach

Definition

The capability approach is a theoretical framework that focuses on what individuals are able to do and be, emphasizing their capabilities to achieve well-being and live a fulfilling life. It highlights the importance of freedom, agency, and the real opportunities available to people, rather than just the resources or utilities they possess. This approach connects deeply with discussions of social justice and equality, particularly in how societies address human rights and global disparities.

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 traditional measures of welfare that focused solely on economic output.
2. It emphasizes that development should be assessed by the expansion of people's capabilities rather than just economic growth or resource availability.
3. Human rights are viewed through the lens of the capability approach, which asserts that all individuals should have the freedom to pursue lives they have reason to value.
4. The approach has been influential in shaping policies aimed at reducing global inequality and enhancing human development by focusing on expanding individual capabilities.
5. Critics argue that while the capability approach is comprehensive, it can be challenging to measure capabilities effectively and apply them uniformly across different cultures.

Review Questions

• How does the capability approach provide a different perspective on assessing well-being compared to traditional economic measures?
  • The capability approach shifts the focus from purely economic indicators like GDP to a broader understanding of well-being that includes individuals' actual abilities to achieve valued states of being and doing. Unlike traditional measures, which often concentrate on material wealth or resources, this framework emphasizes personal agency and the freedom individuals have to make choices about their lives. By considering what people can do with their resources, this perspective highlights disparities that may not be visible when looking at income alone.
• In what ways does the capability approach enhance our understanding of human rights in the context of global inequality?
  • The capability approach enriches our understanding of human rights by framing them as essential freedoms that enable individuals to pursue a life they find meaningful. It emphasizes that rights should not just be seen as legal entitlements but as fundamental capabilities necessary for well-being. In addressing global inequality, this approach draws attention to how unequal access to capabilities limits people's opportunities and undermines their human rights, thus calling for policies that enhance capabilities across diverse populations.
• Evaluate how applying the capability approach might change policy-making in addressing poverty and inequality on a global scale.
  • Applying the capability approach to policy-making involves rethinking how poverty and inequality are defined and addressed. Instead of focusing on income levels alone, policies would aim to enhance individuals' capabilities by providing education, healthcare, and social support systems that enable people to improve their quality of life. This shift encourages governments and organizations to invest in creating environments where all individuals can realize their potential, ultimately leading to more effective strategies for reducing global poverty and promoting equitable development.

Related terms

Functionings: Functionings refer to the various things a person may value doing or being, such as being healthy, having education, or participating in community life.

Social Justice: Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities within a society.

Poverty: Poverty in the capability approach is understood not merely as a lack of income or resources, but as a deprivation of basic capabilities necessary for well-being.