Module 2:
The Capabilities Approach

Literature Review

In this review, we explore the implications of Sen's capabilities approach in the context of education and women’s empowerment as a means of fostering community development. By examining how this approach redefines community development, empowerment and education become vital tools for enhancing human freedoms and have the potential to bring about transformative change, ultimately contributing to the betterment of communities. Read the full literature review...

Interviews

Meanings and experiences of the Capabilities Approach

• Interview with Eshter Moreira [Spanish audio]

• Interview with Esther Moreira [Spanish and English text]

• Interview with Joel and Kim Delp [video]

Resources

Academic and organizational uses of the capabilities approach

• An explanation of the capabilities approach and the role it can play in helping to integrate equality and human rights approaches: Equality, Capability and Human Rights [Video].

• An explanation of the range and usefulness of the capabilities approach for gender analysis and an exploration of some of its silences and implicit assumptions: Humphries, J. (2005). Amartya Sen's Work and Ideas: A Gender Perspective. Routledge.

• The capabilities approach as a means in the evaluation of Open Education Practice through a social justice lens [Workshop].

• The capabilities approach and violence against women: Implications for social development:

  Pyles, L. (2008). The capabilities approach and violence against women: Implications for social development. International Social Work, 51(1), 25–36.