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

McLean, Monica

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Authors

Monica McLean



Contributors

Paul Ashwin
Editor

Jennifer Case
Editor

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). CapeTown: 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 Mar 28, 2024
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/

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