Amartya Sen: Redefining Development through Capabilities and Social Justice

Introduction

The discourse surrounding development has evolved significantly over the past few decades, shifting from traditional economic growth metrics to more nuanced considerations of human well-being and social justice. This report examines the critical contributions of Amartya Sen, an acclaimed economist and philosopher, who has fundamentally redefined the concept of development through his capabilities approach. Sen argues that true development should be measured not merely by economic indicators such as GDP, but by the capacities and freedoms individuals possess to lead fulfilling lives. The purpose of this report is to analyze Sen’s capabilities approach, its implications for social justice, and how it offers a comprehensive framework for understanding development in the contemporary context.

Main Body

Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach pivots away from the conventional frameworks of development that prioritize income and wealth accumulation. Instead, Sen posits that development should focus on enhancing individuals’ capabilities—the real freedoms or opportunities people have to achieve valued ways of living. This perspective is elucidated in his seminal works, including “Development as Freedom” (1999), where