Capability approach

Definition

The capability approach is a theoretical framework that focuses on individuals' abilities to achieve valuable outcomes in life, emphasizing what people are able to do and be, rather than merely measuring their resources or utility. This approach highlights the importance of personal agency and social conditions in shaping individual capabilities, aiming to promote well-being and justice in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The capability approach was significantly developed by Amartya Sen in the 1980s and has influenced various fields, including economics, philosophy, and development studies.
2. It shifts the focus from traditional welfare metrics, like income or wealth, to what individuals can actually achieve with their resources.
3. The approach argues that social arrangements should be evaluated based on their impact on individual capabilities rather than just economic growth or efficiency.
4. The capability approach also recognizes the role of social structures, such as education and healthcare, in enabling or constraining individuals' capabilities.
5. It has been influential in discussions around global justice, as it provides a framework for assessing inequalities across different societies and promoting equitable development.

Review Questions

• How does the capability approach critique traditional measures of welfare and development?
  • The capability approach critiques traditional measures of welfare by shifting the focus from mere economic indicators, like income or GDP, to the actual opportunities individuals have to achieve valuable outcomes in life. It argues that these traditional measures fail to capture the complexities of human well-being and overlook important factors such as personal agency and social conditions. By emphasizing functionings and capabilities, it presents a more comprehensive understanding of what constitutes true welfare.
• Discuss the implications of the capability approach for addressing global inequalities and promoting social justice.
  • The capability approach has significant implications for addressing global inequalities by highlighting that mere resource distribution is not enough; rather, it focuses on expanding individuals' freedoms and opportunities. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of social justice that considers the varying capabilities across different societies. By advocating for policies that enhance education, healthcare, and social support systems, the capability approach promotes a more equitable framework for development that empowers marginalized communities.
• Evaluate how the capability approach can be integrated into international relations theory to address issues of global justice.
  • Integrating the capability approach into international relations theory can fundamentally reshape our understanding of global justice by focusing on individual capabilities rather than state-centric metrics like power or security. This perspective encourages policymakers to consider how international laws, trade agreements, and foreign aid can enhance individuals' capabilities worldwide. It challenges traditional notions of sovereignty by prioritizing human well-being over state interests, ultimately fostering a more just global order that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of people across different cultures.

Related terms

Functionings: Functionings are the various things a person may value doing or being, representing the actual achievements and outcomes that contribute to an individual's well-being.

Sen's Capabilities: Developed by economist Amartya Sen, this concept emphasizes the importance of expanding individuals' freedoms and opportunities as a means to enhance their capabilities and overall quality of life.

Social Justice: Social justice refers to the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, ensuring that all individuals have the ability to pursue their goals and lead fulfilling lives.