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Equality of capabilities: terminological innovation or a new approach to equal opportunity?

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  • Elena Granaglia

Abstract

The principle of equality of capabilities developed by Sen and Nussbaum aims at providing a new conception of equality of opportunity, alternative to the major criteria so far formulated, and in the first place to the principle deriving from equality of resources. Recently, however, the innovative character of the Sen and Nussbaum principle has come under growing attack. Focusing on Sen’s version, the article first outlines the main features of the principle, and then goes on to single out and discuss some similarities with the other principles. The thesis is that, notwithstanding some similarities and various open problems, equality of capabilities represents an innovative distributive principle.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Granaglia, 2007. "Equality of capabilities: terminological innovation or a new approach to equal opportunity?," QA - Rivista dell'Associazione Rossi-Doria, Associazione Rossi Doria, issue 4, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:rar:journl:0065
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Elster,Jon & Roemer,John E. (ed.), 1993. "Interpersonal Comparisons of Well-Being," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521457224.
    2. Anand, Paul & van Hees, Martin, 2006. "Capabilities and achievements: An empirical study," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 268-284, April.
    3. Chiappero-Martinetti, Enrica & Moroni, Stefano, 2007. "An analytical framework for conceptualizing poverty and re-examining the capability approach," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 360-375, June.
    4. Marc Fleurbaey, 2006. "Capabilities, Functionings and Refined Functionings," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(3), pages 299-310.
    5. Amartya Sen, 2002. "Why health equity?," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 11(8), pages 659-666, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Capabilities; Resourcism; Sen; Equality of Opportunity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • H10 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - General
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General

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