Social Policy and the Capability Approach: Concepts, Measurements and Application

Description

The capability approach, an increasingly popular conceptual and theoretical framework focused on what individuals are able to do and be, offers a unique evaluative perspective to social policy analysis. Social Policy and the Capability Approach explores the advantages of this approach and offers a way forward in addressing conceptual and empirical issues as they apply specifically to social policy research and practice. Short conceptual and empirical chapters provide clear examples of how policies shape the capabilities of different groups and individuals, critically assessing the efficacy of different social policies across multiple social policy fields, providing both academic and practitioner viewpoints.

Mara Yerkes is Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Social Science at Utrecht University. Jana Javornik is Associate Professor of Work and Employment Relations at the University of Leeds. Anna Kurowska is Assistant Professor and Senior Researcher at the Institute of Social Policy at the University of Warsaw.

"The capability approach is a popular concept, yet in social policy research it is seldom applied properly. Connecting the dots between conceptual and empirical research, this innovative book definitely fills that gap." Wim Van Lancker, University of Leuven