The capabilities approach and worker wellbeing

Recently, scholars have attempted to apply the capabilities approach, as advanced by Amartya Sen, to the realm of labour. They argue that it provides a philosophical justification for a ‘development’ approach to labour regulation, supports the design of policies that promote workers’ wellbeing and validates the institution of worker participation mechanisms. For labour proponents, this is an exciting prospect. This article argues that despite its promise for expanding workers’ capabilities, certain ambiguities potentially impede the approach’s utility, particularly in developing countries. We suggest ways in which it can be refined and developed to better serve the interests of labour in these contexts, notably by promoting collective and not merely individual capabilities.

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Development Studies on 03/08/2014, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/00220388.2013.866220

Special issue on Labour. Article published online: 19 Dec 2013