The Application of the Capability Approach to High-Income OECD Countries: A Preliminary Survey

41 Pages Posted: 6 Mar 2011

See all articles by Juergen H. W. Volkert

Juergen H. W. Volkert

Pforzheim University - Department of Economics

Friedrich Schneider

Johannes Kepler University Linz - Department of Economics; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute for Economic Research); Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA)

Date Written: February 28, 2011

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to provide a preliminary overview of empirical Capability Approach (CA) applications for high-income OECD countries. The survey aims at a basis of mutual exchange on relevant CA issues among researchers analyzing well-being in affluent countries. It focuses on CA applications related to general well-being, inequalities, poverty and human development in affluent countries. Based on this literature survey and an illustration of procedures and challenges of selecting relevant dimensions and referring to ongoing projects commissioned by the German and British government, the authors conclude that a stronger emphasis should be on assessing capabilities, autonomy, agency and responsibility.

Keywords: capability approach, high income countries, general well being, poverty, human development, assessing capabilities

JEL Classification: B410, I300, I310, I320, O150

Suggested Citation

Volkert, Juergen H. W. and Schneider, Friedrich G., The Application of the Capability Approach to High-Income OECD Countries: A Preliminary Survey (February 28, 2011). CESifo Working Paper Series No. 3364, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1775788 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1775788

Juergen H. W. Volkert

Pforzheim University - Department of Economics ( email )

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Germany

Friedrich G. Schneider (Contact Author)

Johannes Kepler University Linz - Department of Economics ( email )

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Austria
+43 732 2468 8210 (Phone)
+43 732 2468 8208 (Fax)

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