TY - JOUR
T1 - Capabilities, Perception of Well-being and Development Effort
T2 - Some Evidence from Afghanistan
AU - Trani, Jean Francois
AU - Bakhshi, Parul
AU - Rolland, Cécile
PY - 2011/12
Y1 - 2011/12
N2 - This paper examines the relationship between capabilities, well-being and the impact of development efforts in Afghanistan. Using data from a nationally representative survey, it is argued that very vulnerable groups maintain a positive perception of well-being by referring to collective values and practices. The data suggest that deprivation of individual basic capabilities does not systematically lead to a low perception of well-being if individuals have access to other capabilities such as love, care and participation in community affairs. Nevertheless, access to basic capabilities remains crucial in order to ensure that social norms and expectations cease to constitute constraints and become factors through which agency and empowerment are enhanced. The results also show the dangers of tackling inequalities by designing policies that target individuals isolated from the group.
AB - This paper examines the relationship between capabilities, well-being and the impact of development efforts in Afghanistan. Using data from a nationally representative survey, it is argued that very vulnerable groups maintain a positive perception of well-being by referring to collective values and practices. The data suggest that deprivation of individual basic capabilities does not systematically lead to a low perception of well-being if individuals have access to other capabilities such as love, care and participation in community affairs. Nevertheless, access to basic capabilities remains crucial in order to ensure that social norms and expectations cease to constitute constraints and become factors through which agency and empowerment are enhanced. The results also show the dangers of tackling inequalities by designing policies that target individuals isolated from the group.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84859011504&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/13600818.2011.620089
DO - 10.1080/13600818.2011.620089
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84859011504
SN - 1360-0818
VL - 39
SP - 403
EP - 426
JO - Oxford Development Studies
JF - Oxford Development Studies
IS - 4
ER -