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The place of technology in the Capability Approach

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  • Marco J. Haenssgen
  • Proochista Ariana

Abstract

Increasing scholarly attention has focussed on how to integrate technology within the Capability Approach (CA), yet without a consistent solution. Some describe technology as a special kind of capability input, but others consider the concept of technology to be fundamentally different from that of an ordinary input. We aim to contribute to the theoretical development of the CA by offering a consistent justification for the explicit inclusion of technology in this framework. We propose that technical objects have a ‘generative’ and a ‘transformative’ dimension through which they enable capabilities directly and affect other inputs in the attainment of valued capabilities. The objects acquire the transformative dimension from the broader technological context, which we propose as a new class of conversion factors. Using the example of mobile phones and their role in healthcare access, we demonstrate that our proposal helps to frame the analysis of the development impact of technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco J. Haenssgen & Proochista Ariana, 2018. "The place of technology in the Capability Approach," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(1), pages 98-112, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:oxdevs:v:46:y:2018:i:1:p:98-112
    DOI: 10.1080/13600818.2017.1325456
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    Cited by:

    1. Meenakshi Rajeev & Supriya Bhandarkar, 2022. "Women online: A study of Common Service Centres in India using a capability approach," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 9(3), pages 268-287, September.
    2. Aravindi Samarakkody & Dilanthi Amaratunga & Richard Haigh, 2023. "Technological Innovations for Enhancing Disaster Resilience in Smart Cities: A Comprehensive Urban Scholar’s Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-22, August.
    3. Dzator, Janet & Acheampong, Alex O. & Appiah-Otoo, Isaac & Dzator, Michael, 2023. "Leveraging digital technology for development: Does ICT contribute to poverty reduction?," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(4).
    4. Mathew Egessa & Samuel Liyala., 2024. "The ICT-Artefact in Capability Approach: Analysing an ICT-enabled, Renewable Energy Intervention, in Rural Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(4), pages 24-43, April.
    5. Ryan, Mark, 2022. "The ethics of dietary apps: Technology, health, and the capability approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    6. Cleofas, Jerome Visperas, 2023. "Internet access as a moderator of mental health and satisfaction with life during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from young Filipino undergraduates from income-poor households," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).

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