How Do You Spell CAPABILITY APPROACH?

Pronunciation: [kˌe͡ɪpəbˈɪlɪti ɐpɹˈə͡ʊt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The term "capability approach" is a concept in development economics and social sciences. It is spelled as /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪti əˈproʊtʃ/ in phonetic transcription. The first part of the word is pronounced kay-puh-bil-uh-tee, with the stress on the second syllable. The second part is pronounced uh-prohch, where the stress is on the first syllable. The spelling of the word may seem complicated, but the capability approach itself is a simple yet powerful tool in assessing an individual's well-being and creating social policies aimed at improving the quality of life.

CAPABILITY APPROACH Meaning and Definition

  1. The capability approach is a theoretical framework developed by economist and philosopher Amartya Sen and further elaborated by Martha Nussbaum. It provides a comprehensive and multidimensional understanding of human well-being and development. The approach emphasizes the importance of individuals' capabilities and freedom to live a life they value.

    In the capability approach, well-being is not solely measured by material possessions or income levels. Instead, it focuses on what individuals are actually able to do and be. Capabilities refer to the real opportunities and choices available to people in terms of what they can do and the lives they can lead.

    The approach identifies a range of fundamental capabilities that enable individuals to live a fulfilling life, including but not limited to: physical health, access to education, employment opportunities, political freedoms, social relationships, and emotional well-being. These capabilities form the foundation for individual choices and enable them to live a life that reflects their personal values and goals.

    Central to the capability approach is the recognition of human diversity and the importance of addressing disparities in opportunities and outcomes. It highlights the significance of public policies and institutions to enhance capabilities and expand human freedoms. The capability approach shifts the focus from merely income redistribution to enabling individuals to develop their full potential and lead a life of dignity and fulfillment.

    In summary, the capability approach is a holistic framework that emphasizes the importance of enhancing individuals' capabilities and freedom to live a life they value. It offers a more comprehensive understanding of human well-being and development beyond conventional economic measures.

Etymology of CAPABILITY APPROACH

The etymology of the term "capability approach" can be broken down as follows:

1. Capability: The word "capability" originated from the Latin word "capabilis", meaning "able to take in, capable", which derives from the verb "capere", meaning "to take, grasp, seize". It entered the English language in the late 16th century and refers to a person's ability or potential to do or achieve something.

2. Approach: The word "approach" comes from the Old French word "aprochier", which means "to come closer" or "to draw near". It originated from the Latin word "appropiare", meaning "to come near to, bring near", which is a combination of "ad" (to) and "propius" (closer).