Capability approach

The Capability Approach is a theoretical framework that focuses on the assessment of individual well-being and social arrangements, the design of policies, and proposals about social change in society. It was pioneered by the economist and philosopher Amartya Sen and further developed by philosopher Martha Nussbaum.

Overview

The Capability Approach is concerned with what individuals are able to do and to be – in other words, their capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of freedom and opportunity in evaluating human well-being, rather than merely focusing on resources or utility.

Core Concepts

• Functionings: These are the various things a person may value doing or being, such as being healthy, being educated, or participating in community life.
• Capabilities: These refer to the real freedoms or opportunities to achieve functionings. Capabilities are the substantive freedoms a person has to lead the kind of life they have reason to value.
• Agency: This is the ability of individuals to pursue goals that they value and have reason to value.

Key Features

The Capability Approach is characterized by its focus on:

• Pluralism: Recognizing a variety of values and dimensions of well-being.
• Individual Differences: Acknowledging that people have different needs and abilities.
• Freedom: Emphasizing the importance of freedom to choose and act.

Applications

The Capability Approach has been applied in various fields, including:

• Development Economics: Assessing poverty and inequality by looking at people's capabilities rather than just income.
• Education: Evaluating educational outcomes based on the capabilities students develop.
• Health: Considering health capabilities, such as the ability to live a healthy life, rather than just access to healthcare.

Criticisms

Some criticisms of the Capability Approach include:

• Operationalization: Challenges in measuring capabilities and functionings.
• Subjectivity: The approach relies on subjective judgments about what capabilities are valuable.

Also see

• Human Development Index
• Quality of Life
• Social Justice
• Amartya Sen
• Martha Nussbaum