Capability Approach

Encyclopedia : C : CA : CAP : Capability Approach

The capability approach to social development, developed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, emphasises functional capabilities ("substantial freedoms", such as the ability to live to old age, engage in economic transactions, or participate in political activities). Poverty is understood as capability-deprivation. It is noteworthy that the emphasis is not only on how human beings actually function but on their having the capability, which is a practical choice, to function in important ways if they so wish. Someone could be deprived of such capabilities in many ways, e.g. by ignorance, government oppression, lack of financial resources, or false consciousness.

This approach contrasts with a common view that sees development purely in terms of GNP growth, and poverty purely as income-deprivation.

Websites:

http://www.hd-ca.org

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