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Capabilities and Skills

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  • Heckman, James J.

    (University of Chicago)

  • Corbin, Chase O.

    (Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD))

Abstract

This paper discusses the relevance of recent research on the economics of human development to the work of the Human Development and Capability Association. The recent economics of human development brings insights about the dynamics of skill accumulation to an otherwise static literature on capabilities. Skills embodied in agents empower people. Enhanced skills enhance opportunities and hence promote capabilities. We address measurement problems common to both the economics of human development and the capability approach. The economics of human development analyzes the dynamics of preference formation, but is silent about which preferences should be used to evaluate alternative policies. This is both a strength and a limitation of the approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Heckman, James J. & Corbin, Chase O., 2016. "Capabilities and Skills," IZA Discussion Papers 10005, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp10005
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    1. Capabilities and Skills
      by maximorossi in NEP-LTV blog on 2016-07-20 17:28:54

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    freedom; capabilities; skills; technology of skill formation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D04 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Policy: Formulation; Implementation; Evaluation
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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