The Capability Approach: Concepts, Measures and Applications

by Flavio Comim (Editor), Mozaffar Qizilbash (Editor), Sabina Alkire (Editor)

The capability approach developed by Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has become an important new paradigm in thinking about development. However, despite its theoretical and philosophical attractiveness, it has been less easy to measure or to translate into policy. This volume addresses these issues in the context of poverty and justice. Part I offers a set of conceptual essays that debate the strength of the often misunderstood individual focus of the capability approach. Part II investigates the techniques by which we can measure and compare capabilities, and how we can integrate them into poverty comparisons and policy advice. Finally, Part III looks at how we can apply the capability approach to different regions and contexts. Written by a team of international scholars, The Capability Approach is a valuable resource for researchers and graduate students concerned with the debate over the value of the capability approach and its potential applications.

636 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Flavio Comim is an Associate Professor at the University Ramon Llull/IQS in Spain and an affiliated lecturer at the Centre of Development Studies, University of Cambridge. He has been a consultant for UNESCO, UNEP, FAO, WHO and UNDP. He co-edited the books The Capability Approach: Concepts, Measures and Applications (2008) with Mozaffar Qizilbash and Sabina Alkire and Capabilities, Gender, Equality (2014), with Martha Nussbaum.