How higher education research using the Capability Approach illuminates possibilities for the transformation of individuals and society in South Africa

McLean, Monica

Abstract

The capability approach offers a normative framework for thinking how higher education can support human well-being and fulfilment. It was developed with a focus on poverty reduction by the economist Amartya Sen during the 1980s (see, inter alia, 1985 and 1999). Originating in welfare economics, it is underpinned by a commitment to human development and social justice. Following on, Martha Nussbaum collaborated with Sen bringing in a perspective from philosophy (Nussbaum and Sen [1993] and 1997, 2000, 2003, 2010, 2011). Over the last two decades, the approach has been taken up by scholars across the disciplines to research a broad range of topics related to human development and flourishing. This community is served by the Human Development and Capabilities Association (HDCA) which was established in 2004 and by a dedicated journal entitled the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities (JHDC). While empirical work from a capabilities approach perspective is often carried out in poorer countries, including those in Sub-Saharan Africa, comparatively little deals with education per se and even less with higher education which was pioneered by Melanie Walker who directs SARCHI Chair in Higher Education & Human Development Research Programme at the University of the Free State.

Citation

McLean, M. (2018). How higher education research using the Capability Approach illuminates possibilities for the transformation of individuals and society in South Africa. In P. Ashwin, & J. Case (Eds.), Higher Education Pathways: South African Undergraduate Education and The Public Good (112-124). African Minds

• Acceptance Date: Sep 30, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Dec 3, 2018
• Publication Date: Dec 3, 2018
• Deposit Date: Dec 11, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 12, 2018
• Publisher: African Minds
• Pages: 112-124
• Series Title: African Higher Education Dynamics Series
• Series Number: 4
• Book Title: Higher Education Pathways: South African Undergraduate Education and The Public Good
• Chapter Number: 8
• ISBN: 978-1-928331-90-2
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1403546
• Publisher URL: http://www.africanminds.co.za/dd-product/higher-education-pathways-south-african-undergraduate-education-and-the-public-good/
• Contract Date: Dec 12, 2018