Sen argues that traditional measures of well-being, such as income or GDP, are insufficient as they do not capture the diversity of individuals' capabilities and functionings. For example, two people with the same income may have vastly different capabilities due to factors like health, education, or discrimination.
The Capability Approach emphasizes the importance of enhancing people's capabilities to lead lives they have reason to value. This involves not only providing basic goods and services but also removing barriers that restrict individuals' choices and opportunities. For instance, improving healthcare and education can expand people's capabilities by enabling them to live healthier, more educated lives, and consequently, have greater opportunities for employment and participation in society.
Central to Sen's approach is the idea of agency—the ability of individuals to make choices and pursue their goals. Enhancing capabilities empowers individuals to exercise their agency and lead lives that are meaningful to them. This requires a focus not only on economic development but also on social, political, and institutional factors that influence people's capabilities.
The Capability Approach has been influential in various fields, including development economics, welfare economics, and social policy. It has informed policies aimed at poverty reduction, gender equality, and human development. By shifting the focus from purely economic indicators to a broader understanding of well-being, the Capability Approach provides a more comprehensive framework for evaluating social progress and designing interventions that promote human flourishing.
However, criticisms of the Capability Approach include its subjective nature—the evaluation of capabilities and functionings relies heavily on individuals' own assessments of what is valuable. Additionally, there are challenges in operationalizing the approach, particularly in measuring capabilities and assessing their distribution within societies. Despite these criticisms, Sen's Capability Approach remains a powerful framework for understanding and promoting human development and well-being.
