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How Do Aspirations Matter?

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  • Caroline Sarojini Hart

Abstract

This paper explores the complex roles of aspirations in relation to human development, drawing upon the capability approach. The paper examines the notion of feasibility of aspirations and the impact feasibility judgements have on aspiration formation and aspiration realization, in terms of both capabilities and functionings. In particular this paper extends existing theory by building on Hart's dynamic multi-dimensional model of aspiration and Hart's aspiration set (2012. Aspiration, Education and Social Justice - Applying Sen and Bourdieu. London: Bloomsbury). The theorization builds on empirical work, undertaken in the UK, seeking to understand pupils’ aspirations on leaving school and college at age 17–19 as well as reviewing wider empirical and theoretical literature in this field. The discussion contributes to capability theory by extending understanding regarding first, the way that aspirations are connected to capabilities and functionings, secondly, the processes by which aspirations are converted into capabilities and thirdly, how certain capabilities become functionings. The paper reflects on the criteria that inform choices about the cultivation and selection of different aspirations on individual and collective bases. In concluding the paper the question of, “how do aspirations matter?” is addressed. Ultimately, an argument is made for the need to “reclaim” a rich multi-dimensional concept of aspiration in order to pursue human development and flourishing for all.

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  • Caroline Sarojini Hart, 2016. "How Do Aspirations Matter?," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(3), pages 324-341, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jhudca:v:17:y:2016:i:3:p:324-341
    DOI: 10.1080/19452829.2016.1199540
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Solava Ibrahim, 2011. "Poverty, aspirations and wellbeing: afraid to aspire and unable to reach a better life – voices from Egypt," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series 14111, GDI, The University of Manchester.
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    Cited by:

    1. DeJaeghere, Joan & Pellowski Wiger, Nancy & Le, Hue & Luong, Phuong & Ngo, Nga Thi Hang & Vu, Thanh Thi & Lee, Jongwook, 2022. "Why do aspirations matter for empowerment?: Discrepancies between the A-WEAI domains and aspirations of ethnic minority women in Vietnam," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    2. Garima Sahai, 2024. "Do job aspirations cause job choice? Insights from women entering male‐dominated occupational training in India," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 42(2), March.
    3. Mónica Domínguez-Serrano & Lucía del Moral-Espín, 2022. "The Capability Approach and Child Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 15(6), pages 2043-2063, December.
    4. Cazarez, Dulce Carolina Mendoza, 2022. "Exploring influences on the choice of fields of study in higher education: Evidence from Mexico," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    5. Charlie Rumsby, 2021. "The God School: Informal Christian Education and Emerging Aspirations Among De Facto Stateless Children Living in Cambodia," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(1), pages 89-108, February.
    6. Eger, Claudia & Miller, Graham & Scarles, Caroline, 2018. "Gender and capacity building: A multi-layered study of empowerment," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 207-219.
    7. Paul Mark Mitchell & Samantha Husbands & Sarah Byford & Philip Kinghorn & Cara Bailey & Tim J. Peters & Joanna Coast, 2021. "Challenges in developing capability measures for children and young people for use in the economic evaluation of health and care interventions," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(9), pages 1990-2003, September.
    8. Husbands, Samantha & Mitchell, Paul Mark & Kinghorn, Philip & Byford, Sarah & Bailey, Cara & Anand, Paul & Peters, Tim J. & Floredin, Isabella & Coast, Joanna, 2024. "Is well-becoming important for children and young people? Evidence from in-depth interviews with children and young people and their parents," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 122060, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    9. Sonja Marzi, 2022. "‘Having money is not the essential thing . . . but . . . it gets everything moving’: Young Colombians Navigating Towards Uncertain Futures?," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 27(4), pages 842-860, December.
    10. Strong, Michael & Silva, Julie A., 2021. "‘We would like this place to be a town’: The benefits and challenges of rural development near protected areas," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 24(C).

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