Amartya Sen

Definition

Amartya Sen is an Indian economist and philosopher renowned for his work on welfare economics, development theory, and social justice. His concepts challenge traditional views of economic growth by emphasizing the importance of individual capabilities and freedoms, particularly in relation to women's empowerment within the context of economic globalization. Sen's ideas advocate for a broader understanding of well-being that includes access to resources and opportunities, rather than just economic metrics like GDP.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Amartya Sen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his contributions to welfare economics and social choice theory.
2. His work illustrates how economic globalization can both positively and negatively impact women's lives, depending on the context and policies in place.
3. Sen argues that empowering women is crucial for sustainable development because it leads to better health, education, and economic outcomes for entire communities.
4. He introduced the concept of 'missing women', highlighting the significant gender imbalances in sex ratios due to neglect and discrimination against females.
5. Sen's capability approach provides a framework for assessing well-being that goes beyond income levels, focusing instead on what individuals can actually achieve with their resources.

Review Questions

• How does Amartya Sen's capability approach redefine traditional views of economic growth?
  • Amartya Sen's capability approach shifts the focus from mere economic growth metrics like GDP to what individuals can actually achieve in their lives. It emphasizes enhancing people's capabilities and freedoms, especially concerning access to resources, education, and healthcare. This redefinition challenges the notion that higher income alone equates to improved well-being, particularly for marginalized groups such as women.
• In what ways does Amartya Sen connect women's empowerment to broader developmental goals?
  • Amartya Sen posits that women's empowerment is integral to achieving broader developmental goals because it fosters more equitable resource distribution and enhances community well-being. When women are educated and given equal opportunities, they contribute significantly to economic growth, health improvements, and social stability. This connection underscores that investing in women's capabilities not only benefits them but also leads to positive outcomes for families and societies at large.
• Evaluate the implications of Sen's 'missing women' concept for policies addressing gender inequality in a globalized economy.
  • Sen's 'missing women' concept highlights the dire consequences of gender bias in various societies, where women face neglect leading to skewed sex ratios. This finding has profound implications for policymakers who must confront gender inequality directly. Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions that empower women through education, healthcare access, and legal rights. By recognizing the broader societal impacts of missing women, policies can be crafted to create more inclusive environments that promote gender equality as a fundamental aspect of global development strategies.

Related terms

Capability Approach: A theoretical framework developed by Amartya Sen that emphasizes what individuals are able to do and be, highlighting the importance of freedom and opportunities in achieving well-being.

Gender Inequality: The unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender, often resulting in disparities in rights, responsibilities, and opportunities, which Sen argues must be addressed for true development.

Human Development Index (HDI): A composite index used to measure a country's average achievements in health, education, and income, which reflects Sen's emphasis on capabilities over purely economic measures.