Sen's Capability Approach

Definition

Sen's Capability Approach is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of individual capabilities and functionings in assessing well-being and social justice. It critiques traditional welfare economics by focusing on what people are actually able to do and be, rather than merely their income or utility levels. This approach aligns with considerations of social justice by proposing that true equality involves enabling individuals to achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Capability Approach focuses on assessing individual well-being based on what people can achieve in their lives, rather than solely on economic indicators like income.
2. Amartya Sen developed this approach as a response to the limitations of traditional welfare metrics that do not account for individual differences in needs and abilities.
3. It recognizes the role of social arrangements and institutions in shaping individual capabilities, emphasizing that justice should facilitate the expansion of these capabilities.
4. The approach has been influential in fields like development economics and social policy, helping shape policies aimed at poverty reduction and human development.
5. Sen argues that the Capability Approach promotes a more holistic understanding of human welfare, advocating for a focus on empowerment and equality of opportunity.

Review Questions

• How does Sen's Capability Approach challenge traditional economic measures of well-being?
  • Sen's Capability Approach challenges traditional economic measures by shifting the focus from mere income levels or utility to what individuals are genuinely capable of achieving. It argues that well-being should be evaluated based on people's actual opportunities to pursue valued functionings. This shift emphasizes the significance of personal capabilities and acknowledges that individuals may face different barriers that affect their ability to attain well-being, highlighting a more nuanced understanding of social justice.
• Discuss how Sen's Capability Approach relates to Rawls's theory of justice and the original position.
  • Sen's Capability Approach complements Rawls's theory of justice by advocating for a framework that prioritizes fairness in opportunities over strict resource distribution. While Rawls focuses on ensuring that social and economic inequalities benefit the least advantaged through the difference principle, Sen extends this by emphasizing individual capabilities. In the original position, where rational individuals decide on principles of justice behind a veil of ignorance, the Capability Approach would encourage considerations of how societal structures impact individuals' abilities to lead fulfilling lives, thus promoting a more comprehensive view of justice.
• Evaluate how applying Sen's Capability Approach can transform policy-making aimed at social justice.
  • Applying Sen's Capability Approach can transform policy-making by shifting priorities from purely economic growth metrics to enhancing individual freedoms and opportunities. By recognizing the diverse needs and abilities of individuals, policymakers can design initiatives that empower people to achieve meaningful outcomes rather than merely distributing resources. This transformation encourages policies focused on education, health care access, and social inclusion, ultimately fostering an environment where all individuals have the capability to thrive and exercise their rights fully within society.

Related terms

Functionings: Functionings refer to the various things a person may value doing or being, such as being healthy, educated, or employed.

Capabilities: Capabilities are the real opportunities or freedoms that individuals have to achieve functionings, reflecting the ability to choose from different ways of living.

Rawlsian Justice: Rawlsian Justice is a theory proposed by John Rawls that emphasizes fairness in the distribution of goods and opportunities, which can be related to the capability approach by considering what individuals can achieve.