Summary
Amartya Sen argues that our focus in addressing inequality should shift from resources or welfare to people's capabilities. This central argument is developed through important themes from his recent work, presenting a rich and subtle approach to understanding and tackling disparities.
The book emphasizes the significance of capabilities as the core metric for evaluating inequality. Readers gain an understanding of how focusing on what people are actually able to do and be, rather than simply what they possess or how they feel, offers a more effective lens for societal progress and the pursuit of justice.
Key concepts
- Capabilities — The freedoms or opportunities people have to achieve valuable ways of living.
- Resources — Material goods or assets that individuals possess.
- Welfare — The state of well-being or happiness experienced by individuals.
From the book
Description: This book develops some of the most important themes of Sen's works over the last decade. He argues in a rich and subtle approach that we should be concerned with people's capabilities rather than their resources or welfare.
Snippet: This book develops some of the most important themes of Sen's works over the last decade. He argues in a rich and subtle approach that we should be concerned with people's capabilities rather than their resources or welfare.