Understanding Sen’s Capability Approach: A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction:
When we talk about development, we usually consider it as economic growth or GDP. However, for Amartya Sen, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, development is about expanding capabilities and choices for people to lead the lives that they value. This understanding is the foundation for what is called the ‘capability approach,’ a way of thinking about development that emphasizes human well-being and not just economic growth. In this article, we’ll take a beginner’s look at Sen’s capability approach and examine its significance.
What is the Capability Approach?
The capability approach is a philosophical and economic framework developed by Amartya Sen. In contrast to traditional measures of development that focus on expanding economic growth, the capacity approach measures development by assessing the capabilities of individuals to lead the lives they value. It focuses on giving people freedoms and opportunities that are important for a good life, rather than just increasing their income. More specifically, it is a capability approach to welfare economics that evaluates economic inequality by evaluating the capabilities of an individual to have a good life, rather than income.
Central Themes of the Capability Approach
The capability approach is based on two essential themes: substantive freedoms and the concept of capabilities. Substantive freedom implies that the goal of development should be to expand the freedom of individuals to choose the life that they value. Capability, on the other hand, refers to the actual ability of individuals to do or be the things they value. Therefore, the capability approach argues that the ultimate goal of development should be to expand the range of capabilities and opportunities available to people by addressing inequalities in access to healthcare, education, employment, etc.
How Capability Approach differs from other approaches?
Unlike other economic theories, the capability approach does not just look at the success of nations based solely on their economic prosperity. This approach takes an individualistic approach and analyzes the quality of life of individuals in a region, rather than measuring a region’s economic gains. It isn’t just focused on the opportunities for getting ahead, but on what type of life people are leading and their well-being. This makes the Capability approach a much more comprehensive approach to development as it expands the notion of development beyond just economic growth.
Examples of Capability Approach in Practice
The capability approach has been used in shaping policy in various regions. For instance, it has been used in the Human Development Index (HDI) and in the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The HDI has three dimensions, which are life expectancy, education, and standard of living. The MPI is an alternative measurement that assesses different types of deprivations that individuals may face simultaneously. By focusing on different dimensions of development, these indices help measure what matters to people and gives policy makers a general sense of human well-being.
Conclusion:
Understanding the capability approach is essential as it helps policymakers to focus on the actual well-being of people by evaluating how well they are doing in key dimensions of life like health, education, and standard of living. It brings to light the importance of economic growth but emphasizes how it isn’t enough if people are not experiencing improvements in their lives. By prioritizing capabilities and freedoms, we can help individuals realize their full potential, which is the most important aspect of development. Ultimately, the capability approach calls for a more human-centered and comprehensive approach to development that expands beyond economic prosperity—a vision that that holds great promise for the future.
