Amartya Sen's Capabilities Approach: Development as Expansion of Choices and Freedoms
The article explores Amartya Sen's 'capabilities approach,' which defines development as the expansion of real freedoms and choices, rather than merely economic growth. It emphasizes that development should enable individuals to lead lives they value, focusing on what people are actually able to do and be. The piece critiques traditional development metrics like GDP and highlights the importance of social opportunities, education, and health in fostering human well-being. It also touches upon the challenges of implementing this approach in a political environment where outcomes are often reduced to technical tasks, overlooking the moral and ethical dimensions of development.
Key Points
- Amartya Sen's capabilities approach defines development as the expansion of real freedoms and choices, not just economic growth.
- It focuses on what people are actually able to do and be (functionings and capabilities) rather than just income or resources.
- The approach emphasizes the importance of social opportunities, education, and health as crucial for human well-being and development.
- It critiques traditional development metrics like GDP for failing to capture the true essence of human development.
- Implementing the capabilities approach requires addressing political resistance and ensuring that development is seen as a moral and ethical endeavor, not just a technical one.
Exam Facts
- Amartya Sen: Nobel laureate, proponent of the 'capabilities approach' to development.
- 'Capabilities approach': Focuses on what people are actually able to do and be.
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): Mentioned as a traditional metric that the capabilities approach critiques.
- N. Venkataraman: Author of the article.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.