Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Amartya Sen’s work revolutionized development economics by shifting the focus from economic growth to human well-being and capabilities. He views development not merely as an increase in per capita income, but as a process of expanding people’s ‘real freedoms’ – the substantive freedom to lead the kind of life one values. Poverty, in this context, isn’t simply a lack of income, but a deprivation of these fundamental freedoms, hindering individuals from achieving their potential and participating fully in society. Sen’s capability approach provides a nuanced understanding of poverty beyond mere material deprivation.
Development as Freedom
Sen argues that development is fundamentally about expanding human capabilities – the set of things a person can do or be. These capabilities are enabled by freedoms: political, economic, social, transparency, and security. He emphasizes that these freedoms are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. For instance, political freedom allows people to participate in decisions affecting their lives, while economic freedom enables them to pursue livelihood opportunities.
Poverty as Unfreedom
Sen defines poverty not just as a lack of income, but as the ‘unfreedom’ that restricts individuals from living a life they have reason to value. This unfreedom can manifest in various forms, including lack of access to healthcare, education, political participation, and basic necessities. He highlights that even with a certain level of income, individuals can be impoverished if they lack the freedoms to utilize that income effectively. For example, a person with sufficient income might still be considered poor if they lack access to quality healthcare, limiting their ability to work and live a healthy life.
Five Dimensions of Poverty
Sen identifies five key dimensions of poverty, moving beyond a purely economic understanding:
1. Poverty as Deprivation of Capabilities
This refers to the lack of essential capabilities like being well-nourished, healthy, educated, and able to participate in social and political life. For example, a child suffering from malnutrition lacks the capability to learn effectively in school.
2. Poverty as Lack of Entitlements
Entitlements refer to the bundle of goods and services a person can legally and practically command using their ownership rights and production possibilities. Lack of land ownership, discriminatory laws, or limited access to markets can lead to entitlement failures, causing poverty. The Bengal famine of 1943, as analyzed by Sen, demonstrated how entitlement failures, rather than an absolute lack of food availability, led to widespread starvation.
3. Poverty as Lack of Social Opportunities
This dimension focuses on the lack of access to social institutions and opportunities, such as education, healthcare, and legal systems. Discrimination based on caste, gender, or religion can severely limit social opportunities, perpetuating poverty.
4. Poverty as Lack of Voice and Participation
This refers to the inability of the poor to influence decisions that affect their lives. Lack of political representation, limited access to information, and social exclusion contribute to this dimension. Without a voice, the poor are less likely to have their needs addressed by policymakers.
5. Poverty as Lack of Security
This encompasses vulnerability to economic shocks, natural disasters, and political instability. Lack of social safety nets and insurance mechanisms can leave the poor highly vulnerable to these risks, pushing them further into poverty. Climate change induced disasters are increasingly exacerbating this dimension of poverty.
These five dimensions are interconnected and reinforce each other, creating a vicious cycle of poverty. Addressing poverty requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles these dimensions simultaneously.
Conclusion
Amartya Sen’s conceptualization of development as freedom and poverty as unfreedom provides a powerful framework for understanding and addressing poverty. By recognizing that poverty is not merely a lack of income but a deprivation of essential freedoms, Sen’s work highlights the importance of expanding capabilities and empowering individuals. A holistic approach that focuses on social, political, and economic freedoms, alongside economic growth, is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.