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12 - Enriching agency in the capability approach through social theory contributions

from Part II - Inclusiveness, Social and Individual Agency

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2024

By
Ina Conradie
Edited by
Flavio Comim ,
P. B. Anand  and
Shailaja Fennell
Flavio Comim
Affiliation:
Universitat Ramon Llull
P. B. Anand
Affiliation:
University of Bradford
Shailaja Fennell
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

In recent years the relationship of the capability approach (CA) to non-Western, especially indigenous, theories has ignited a growing literature. This offers a unique space to expand considerations of environmental justice, to frame intercultural public policies on issues of self-determination or valuations of the natural world and to study the CAs philosophical foundations. This chapter contributes to the literature, engaging current trends in Latin America and focusing on discussions around the idea of buen vivir (BV) and the contributions these make to exploring collective and environmental issues. The BV framework emerges from the regions indigenous philosophies and focuses on a harmonic understanding of the life cycle. The chapter uses two further indigenous notions, ayllu (community) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), that highlight the relational ontology underpinning BV. Through analysis of this epistemological framework, the chapter revisits some of the normative foundational challenges in the CA, reminding us of the importance of providing social and collective spaces to reflect on the ethical value that non-human others and nature have for discussions of development.

Keywords

Capability ApproachAmartya SenIndigenous philosophiesRelational ontologiesBuen Vivir
Type
Chapter
Information
Social Choice, Agency, Inclusiveness and Capabilities , pp. 257 - 283
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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