Q 3(a). दीर्घकालिक निर्धनता को समझने में क्षमता अभाव परिप्रेक्ष्य की तुलना सामाजिक पूँजी अभाव परिप्रेक्ष्य से कीजिए।
(UPSC 2025,20 Marks,250 Words)
Theme:
Understanding Chronic Poverty: Capability vs. Social Capital Deprivation
Where in Syllabus:
(Development Studies)
Compare capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty.
Q 3(a). दीर्घकालिक निर्धनता को समझने में क्षमता अभाव परिप्रेक्ष्य की तुलना सामाजिक पूँजी अभाव परिप्रेक्ष्य से कीजिए।
(UPSC 2025,20 Marks,250 Words)
Theme:
Understanding Chronic Poverty: Capability vs. Social Capital Deprivation
Where in Syllabus:
(Development Studies)
Compare capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty.
प्रस्तावना
Chronic poverty is a persistent state of deprivation affecting individuals over extended periods. Amartya Sen emphasizes the role of capability deprivation, where lack of opportunities limits individuals' potential. In contrast, Robert Putnam highlights social capital deprivation, focusing on the absence of networks and community support. According to the World Bank, over 700 million people live in extreme poverty, underscoring the need to address both capability and social capital to alleviate chronic poverty effectively.
Understanding Chronic Poverty: Capability vs. Social Capital Deprivation
Capability Deprivation Approach
● Conceptual Framework:
○ Developed by Amartya Sen, this approach focuses on the deprivation of basic capabilities that allow individuals to lead a life they value. It emphasizes the importance of freedom and opportunity in assessing poverty.
● Focus on Individual Capabilities:
○ It considers the lack of education, healthcare, and basic freedoms as central to understanding poverty. For example, a person may have income but still be poor if they lack access to quality education or healthcare.
● Multidimensional Nature:
○ Unlike income-based measures, this approach recognizes poverty as a multidimensional issue, encompassing various aspects of life. The Human Development Index (HDI) is an example that incorporates health, education, and income.
● Policy Implications:
○ Policies should aim to enhance individual capabilities, such as improving public health systems and educational opportunities. For instance, initiatives like mid-day meal schemes in schools can improve both health and education outcomes.
Social Capital Deprivation Approach
● Conceptual Framework:
○ This approach focuses on the lack of social networks, trust, and reciprocity that can help individuals and communities overcome poverty. It emphasizes the role of community and social relationships.
● Importance of Social Networks:
○ Social capital refers to the resources available through social connections. A lack of these networks can lead to isolation and marginalization, exacerbating poverty. For example, communities with strong social ties often have better access to job opportunities and support systems.
● Community and Collective Action:
○ It highlights the role of community organizations and collective action in addressing poverty. Programs that foster community engagement, like self-help groups, can empower individuals and improve economic outcomes.
● Policy Implications:
○ Policies should focus on building and strengthening social networks and community institutions. For instance, promoting community-based microfinance can enhance social capital and provide financial resources to the poor.
Comparison
● Individual vs. Community Focus:
○ The capability approach emphasizes individual freedoms and opportunities, while the social capital approach focuses on community and social networks.
● Multidimensional vs. Relational:
○ Capability deprivation is multidimensional, addressing various aspects of life, whereas social capital deprivation is relational, focusing on the quality and extent of social interactions.
● Policy Approaches:
○ Capability approach advocates for enhancing individual capabilities through education and healthcare, while social capital approach supports strengthening community ties and networks.
● Examples and Data:
○ Capability approach can be seen in policies like universal healthcare and education reforms. Social capital approach is evident in programs like community-driven development projects and neighborhood associations.
Both approaches provide valuable insights into understanding chronic poverty, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address both individual capabilities and social capital.
● Conceptual Framework:
○ Developed by Amartya Sen, this approach focuses on the deprivation of basic capabilities that allow individuals to lead a life they value. It emphasizes the importance of freedom and opportunity in assessing poverty.
● Focus on Individual Capabilities:
○ It considers the lack of education, healthcare, and basic freedoms as central to understanding poverty. For example, a person may have income but still be poor if they lack access to quality education or healthcare.
● Multidimensional Nature:
○ Unlike income-based measures, this approach recognizes poverty as a multidimensional issue, encompassing various aspects of life. The Human Development Index (HDI) is an example that incorporates health, education, and income.
● Policy Implications:
○ Policies should aim to enhance individual capabilities, such as improving public health systems and educational opportunities. For instance, initiatives like mid-day meal schemes in schools can improve both health and education outcomes.
Social Capital Deprivation Approach
● Conceptual Framework:
○ This approach focuses on the lack of social networks, trust, and reciprocity that can help individuals and communities overcome poverty. It emphasizes the role of community and social relationships.
● Importance of Social Networks:
○ Social capital refers to the resources available through social connections. A lack of these networks can lead to isolation and marginalization, exacerbating poverty. For example, communities with strong social ties often have better access to job opportunities and support systems.
● Community and Collective Action:
○ It highlights the role of community organizations and collective action in addressing poverty. Programs that foster community engagement, like self-help groups, can empower individuals and improve economic outcomes.
● Policy Implications:
○ Policies should focus on building and strengthening social networks and community institutions. For instance, promoting community-based microfinance can enhance social capital and provide financial resources to the poor.
Comparison
● Individual vs. Community Focus:
○ The capability approach emphasizes individual freedoms and opportunities, while the social capital approach focuses on community and social networks.
● Multidimensional vs. Relational:
○ Capability deprivation is multidimensional, addressing various aspects of life, whereas social capital deprivation is relational, focusing on the quality and extent of social interactions.
● Policy Approaches:
○ Capability approach advocates for enhancing individual capabilities through education and healthcare, while social capital approach supports strengthening community ties and networks.
● Examples and Data:
○ Capability approach can be seen in policies like universal healthcare and education reforms. Social capital approach is evident in programs like community-driven development projects and neighborhood associations.
Both approaches provide valuable insights into understanding chronic poverty, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that address both individual capabilities and social capital.
निष्कर्ष
The study contrasts chronic poverty through the lenses of capability deprivation and social capital deprivation. Amartya Sen emphasizes enhancing individual capabilities, while Robert Putnam highlights the role of social networks. Data shows that 60% of chronically poor lack social connections, underscoring the need for integrated approaches. A way forward involves policies fostering both personal skills and community ties, ensuring sustainable poverty alleviation. As Sen notes, "Development is freedom," emphasizing empowerment through capability and social inclusion.