On the Essence and Elimination of Poverty from the Perspective of Capability Approach

Abstract

The traditional methods of identifying and measuring poverty are generally con­ducted in the space of income. However, due to individual factors, group factors, social factors, and environmental factors, the conversion from income to living conditions varies from person to person. Therefore, assessing the living condi­tions of individuals in poverty cannot be fully achieved solely from an income perspective. Viewing poverty in the approach of capability, poverty is the failure of basic capabilities to reach certain minimally acceptable levels. The capability approach shifts our focus of assessing and addressing poverty issues from wealth and other instrumental values to the ends that people have reason to pursue and the corresponding freedoms that enable them to achieve those ends. It enhances our understanding of the nature and causes of poverty and deprivation, helping us recognize where exactly disadvantaged groups are truly vulnerable. When identifying impoverished populations and formulating measures for poverty alle­viation, we should start with the poor’s actual lives and substantive opportunities of living, and enhance their capabilities through education, public services and social support, etc., which can effectively help the poor get rid of poverty sub­stantively and prevent them from sinking back into poverty.