The Capabilities Perspective: A Framework for Social Justice

This article introduces the capabilities approach, originally proposed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, as a framework for understanding and achieving social justice. It discusses its application in human development, public policy, and social work. The framework emphasizes individuals’ substantive freedoms and opportunities to achieve well-being, moving beyond traditional economic indicators. It provides a robust conceptual tool for evaluating societal progress and designing interventions that genuinely empower individuals to live lives they value, addressing inequalities and fostering equitable development.