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What Can the Capabilities Approach Learn from an Ubuntu Ethic? A Relational Approach to Development Theory

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  • Hoffmann, Nimi
  • Metz, Thaddeus

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the capabilities’ approach has become an increasingly influential theory of development. It conceptualizes human wellbeing in terms of an individual’s ability to achieve functionings we have reason to value. In contrast, the ethic of ubuntu views human flourishing as the propensity to pursue relations of fellowship with others, such that relationships have fundamental value. These two theoretical perspectives seem to be in tension with each other. While the capabilities’ approach seems to focus on individuals as the locus of ethical value, an ubuntu ethic concentrates on the relations between individuals as the locus.

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  • Hoffmann, Nimi & Metz, Thaddeus, 2017. "What Can the Capabilities Approach Learn from an Ubuntu Ethic? A Relational Approach to Development Theory," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 153-164.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:97:y:2017:i:c:p:153-164
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.04.010
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    2. Giulia Ferrari, 2022. "What is wellbeing for rural South African women? Textual analysis of focus group discussion transcripts and implications for programme design and evaluation," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-15, December.
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    5. James Reid & Chanté Johannes & Shenaaz Wareley & Collen M. Ngadhi & Avukonke Nginase & Nicolette V. Roman, 2025. "A Conceptual Model for Strengthening Family Capabilities Through a Process of Care," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(7), pages 1-27, July.
    6. Matthys, Marie-Luise & Acharya, Sushant & Khatri, Sanjaya, 2021. "“Before cardamom, we used to face hardship”: Analyzing agricultural commercialization effects in Nepal through a local concept of the Good Life," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).

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