Economics
Gender and Development: The Capability Approach
Quick fact
The Capability Approach, introduced by economist Amartya Sen, argues that true development is the expansion of people's real freedoms to be and do what they value, not just economic growth or resource access.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why development programs that provide women with money or education don't always lead to greater well-being?
Read the full explanation
Understanding Gender and Development: The Capability Approach
Think of development as a keyring with many keys. Each key represents a resource—money, education, healthcare. But having the keys doesn't guarantee that you can open every door. Your personal qualities, social roles, and the environment you live in determine whether you can use those keys effectively. The Capability Approach focuses on these 'door-openings'—what you can actually be (e.g., being well-nourished, educated) and do (e.g., participating in politics, moving freely). For a woman, holding a key like a college degree does not automatically give her the capability to pursue a career if norms, laws, or family obligations restrict her choices. The approach teaches us to measure development by how many valuable doors are open to women, not just how many keys they hold.
A deeper explanation
The capability approach works by distinguishing between functionings (achieved states of being and doing) and capabilities (the real opportunities to achieve those functionings). A resource only translates into a capability through a 'conversion factor'—personal attributes (like health), social norms (like gender roles), and environmental conditions (like public safety). Gender inequality arises when these conversion factors systematically disadvantage women. For example, identical income may yield unequal capabilities because women face restricted mobility or wage gaps. The approach matters because it shifts policy focus from increasing resources to removing conversion barriers, such as discriminatory laws or unpaid care work burdens. It also emphasizes agency: women must be able to define and pursue their own goals. By using this lens, development practitioners can design interventions that genuinely empower women rather than merely redistribute resources.