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Yvette Clarke (Koori Justice Unit, Victorian Department of Justice and Regulation)

The capability approach has emerged in recent decades as a theoretical framework about well-being, development and justice. The approach was pioneered by the economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, and was further developed by the philosopher Martha Nussbaum.  The core tenet of the capability approach is its focus on what people are able to do and to be - that is, on their capabilities. The focus of the capability approach is on extent to which a person is able to function in a particular way, whether or not he or she chooses to do so. The capability approach suggests that wellbeing should be measured not according to what individuals actually do (functionings) but what they can do (capabilities) (Sen 1993)  

Despite being described as "a broad normative framework for the evaluation of individual well-being and social arrangements" (Robeyns, 2005), initial investigation of the evaluation literature indicates that the sector has not substantially engaged with the theory. This paper will explore the potential relevance of Sen's capability approach to evaluation theory and practice.

In doing so this paper will seek to uncover:

• Whether and how the capabilities approach has been operationalized in evaluation practice.
•  How the capability approach aligns or complements various approaches to evaluation, and
• Whether the capabilities approach can provide a useful starting theory for evaluating and measuring difficult to define topics.