Sen's Capability Approach and Institutions

The capability approach acknowledges the role of institutions in limiting the capabilities of individuals, but does not analyse the institutional mechanisms involved. The institutional approach that is proposed ascribes a crucial role to knowledge and learning for two reasons: one, learning is essential for understanding the capability context of individuals; and, two, it is part of the process of overcoming restrictive institutions. This book argues that the capability approach can be strengthened by explicitly incorporating institutions.