An Introduction to the Human Development and Capability Approach: Freedom and Agency

Since the publication of Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen's flagship book Development as Freedom, development has been redefined in terms of human capability and opportunity. This approach has come to underpin the United Nations Development Program's influential Human Development Reports, and has had considerable significance in both academic and policy circles. This book offers an introduction to the human development and capability approach. It clarifies its central concepts and fosters critical debate on key issues. The book covers an extensive range of topics in which the approach offers an alternative perspective. These include the conceptualization and measurement of well-being and inequality, the role of markets and economic growth in promoting development, the importance of democracy and public debate and the connections between social and economic policy in addressing poverty and inequality. Case studies from around the world are used to illustrate concepts and highlight the relevance of the human development and capability approach for addressing today's development challenges. A set of questions accompanies each chapter for seminar discussion to help readers better assimilate key points and apply the approach in diverse settings. This book provides the only comprehensive introduction to the human development and capability approach for students and practitioners world-wide. Contributors include Sabina Alkire, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, Dept of International Development, University of Oxford, UK; Proochista Ariana, Dept of International Development, University of Oxford, UK; Susan Johnson, Dept of Economics and International Development, University of Bath, UK; Arif Naveed, Mahbub-ul-Haq Human Development Center, Islamabad, Pakistan; Ingrid Robeyns, Dept of Philosophy, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Randy Spence, Economic and Social Development Affiliates, Canada; Elaine Unterhalter, Institute of Education, University of London; Sarah White, Department of Economics and International Development, University of Bath, UK.

Severine Deneulin is lecturer in international development at the University of Bath. Lila Shahani is editor for the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation at UNDP.