Applying Sen's Capability Approach to Understand Work and Income among Poor People in India

Authors

Mahasweta M. Banerjee, University of KansasFollow

Keywords

Capability approach; social development; poverty; informal work; governmental and non-governmental organizations

Abstract

Applying Sen's capability approach, this paper explores income poor individuals' capabilities—abilities, skills, resources, and opportunities at personal, inter-personal, and structural levels—for work and income. It reports on data collected from 92 individuals identified through purposive sampling and interviewed face-to- face. The study found that 11% of respondents had varied work capabilities and earned a relatively high income; 49% of respondents had some work capabilities and were in the medium income bracket; 40% of respondents had few work capabilities and remained below the poverty line; and 8% of respondents with even fewer work capabilities were not working. Implications include expansion of certain work abilities, skills, resources, and opportunities to enhance poor people's capability for work.

Recommended Citation

Banerjee, Mahasweta M. (2015) "Applying Sen's Capability Approach to Understand Work and Income among Poor People in India," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 42: Iss. 3, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3921
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol42/iss3/6