EXAMINING AMARTYA SEN’S RE-EVALUATION OF INEQUALITY IN DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE

Abstract

The aim of this study is to critically evaluate Amartya Sen’s articulation of inequality. Sen argues that inequality is a central notion in social theory. His basic question is: inequality of what? He answers this basic question by advocating his preferred notion of equality which is based on the capability to function.  The extreme inequalities in incomes and assets we see in much of the world today harm our economies, our societies, and undermine our politics. Whilst we should all worry about this it is of course the poorest who suffer most, experiencing not just vastly unequal outcomes in their lives, but vastly unequal opportunities too