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Lists and thresholds: comparing our theory of human need with Nussbaum's capabilities approach

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  • Gough, Ian

Abstract

This paper compares two recent books addressing issues in human wellbeing, rights and development: A Theory of Human Need by Doyal and Gough and Women and Human Development: The Capabilities Approach by Martha Nussbaum. The first part identifies the common project which underlies both works: to clarify and defend those universal human interests which underpin an emancipatory and effective political programme for all women and men. The next two sections set out in some detail the different approaches in terms of needs and capabilities respectively, the taxonomies of each and the thinking behind them. In the fourth section, the two approaches are compared in terms of their components, derivation and thresholds, and some preliminary evaluations are offered. The paper concludes that the hierarchical approach of the Doyal-Gough theory can mediate between Nussbaum’s ‘thick’ and Amartya Sen’s ‘thin’ approach to capabilities and wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Gough, Ian, 2003. "Lists and thresholds: comparing our theory of human need with Nussbaum's capabilities approach," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 36659, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:36659
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/36659/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alkire, Sabina, 2002. "Dimensions of Human Development," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 181-205, February.
    2. Des Gasper, 2002. "Is Sen's Capability Approach an Adequate Basis for Considering Human Development?," Review of Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(4), pages 435-461.
    3. Ruhi Saith, "undated". "Capabilities: the Concept and its Operationalisation," QEH Working Papers qehwps66, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford.
    4. repec:ems:euriss:23177 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. David Clark, 2003. "Concepts and Perceptions of Human Well-being: Some Evidence from South Africa," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(2), pages 173-196.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ian Gough, 2014. "Climate Change and Sustainable Welfare: An Argument for the Centrality of Human Needs," CASE Papers case182, Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, LSE.
    2. Gough, Ian, 2014. "Climate change and sustainable welfare: an argument for the centrality of human needs," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 58630, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Calheiros, Maria Manuela & Lopes, Diniz & Patrício, Joana Nunes, 2011. "Assessment of the needs of youth in residential care: Development and validation of an instrument," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(10), pages 1930-1938, October.
    4. Jonck, Petronella & Goujon, Anne & Testa, Maria Rita & Kandala, John, 2015. "Education and crime engagement in South Africa: A national and provincial perspective," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 141-151.
    5. Tom Lavers, 2008. "Reconciling the needs and wants of respondents in two rural Ethiopian communities," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 86(1), pages 129-147, March.
    6. repec:cep:sticas:/182 is not listed on IDEAS

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