Synopsis:
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 Programme's influential Human Development Reports, and has had considerable significance in both academic and policy circles. Aimed at both social science undergraduate and post-graduate students and development practitioners, this textbook 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 across 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 realities. This book provides the only comprehensive introduction to the human development and capability approach for students and practitioners world-wide.
Review:
'This book is essential reading for all those who wish to understand the Human Development and Capability approach to development. It both explains and advances thought on this important and increasingly influential perspective.' Frances Stewart, President, Human Development and Capability Association 'One of the most important influences of the human development approach has been through educational and teaching at all levels. In this tradition, it is great to see this new volume, which provides excellent academic foundations in ways that are accessible for a wide range of potential audiences.' Jeni Klugman, Director and Lead Author of the Human Development Report 'As poverty reduction has become the predominant objective of socio-economic development, the human development and capabilities approach provides the best methodological path to its achievement. The present volume is a major contribution towards operationalizing this approach.' Erik Thorbecke, H.E. Babcock Professor of Economics, Emeritus, Graduate School Professor and former Director of the Program on Comparative Economic Development, Cornell University 'A commendable pioneering effort, which... represents an invaluable guide for all those interested in learning about a new, if still controversial, perspective on development.' Gustav Ranis, Journal of Human Development and Capabilities 'a success...represents an excellent introduction to a would-be new paradigm that is currently in the ascendancy..represents an invaluable guide for all those interested in learning about a new, if still controversial, perspective on development.' Gustav Ranis, Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 2010.
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