Inequality ReexaminedThe noted economist and philosopher Amartya Sen argues that the dictum “all people are created equal” serves largely to deflect attention from the fact that we differ in age, gender, talents, and physical abilities as well as in material advantages and social background. He argues for concentrating on higher and more basic values: individual capabilities and freedom to achieve objectives. By concentrating on the equity and efficiency of social arrangements in promoting freedoms and capabilities of individuals, Sen adds an important new angle to arguments about such vital issues as gender inequalities, welfare policies, affirmative action, and public provision of health care and education. |
Contents
EQUALITY OF WHAT? | 1 |
FUNCTIONINGS AND CAPABILITY | 39 |
FREEDOM AGENCY AND WELLBEING | 59 |
JUSTICE AND CAPABILITY | 80 |
WELFARE ECONOMICS AND INEQUALITY | 88 |
POVERTY AND AFFLUENCE | 102 |
CLASS GENDER AND OTHER GROUPS | 117 |
THE DEMANDS OF EQUALITY | 129 |
References | 153 |
| 199 | |
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Common terms and phrases
achieved well-being agency freedom aggregative analysis argued argument aspect assessment Atkinson Atkinson index basal equality basic Blackorby bundles capability approach capability set Chapter choose claims commodity comparisons concerned context demands of equality deprivation discussed distinction Drèze efficiency egalitarian ethical example fact focal variables focus freedom to achieve G. A. Cohen gender Gini coefficient human diversity important income inequality India individual utilities inequality evaluation Inequality Measures involved issue John Rawls Journal of Economics justice as fairness Liberal Paradox libertarian liberty literature London maximal measure of inequality Measurement of Poverty ment mimeographed monograph Nozick Nussbaum one's Oxford Pareto optimality particular person perspective plurality political conception poverty line primary principle problem Rawls Rawls's Rawlsian reason relevant seen shortfall social arrangements Social Choice Social Choice Theory social welfare society specific substantive theory of justice tion utilitarian welfare economics well-being freedom