Identify the main features of capability approach to Human Development.
A. This is the oldest approach to Human Development.
B. This approach was initially proposed by International Labour Organisation.
C. This approach is associated with Prof. Amartya Sen.
D. Access to resources is the key to increasing human development.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → C and D only
There are four main approaches to human development: the income, welfare, basic needs and capability approaches. Each one looks at development in its own way. The capability approach says that people develop when they build their abilities in health, education and access to resources.
(A) This is the oldest approach to Human Development. — Incorrect. The income approach is one of the oldest approaches. It links human development to income: the higher the income, the higher the level of human development.
(B) This approach was initially proposed by International Labour Organisation. — Incorrect. The ILO first proposed the basic needs approach. It focuses on six basic needs: health, education, food, water supply, sanitation and housing.
(C) This approach is associated with Prof. Amartya Sen. — Correct. The capability approach is linked with Prof. Amartya Sen.
(D) Access to resources is the key to increasing human development. — Correct. In this approach, building human capabilities in health, education and access to resources is the key to increasing human development. Access to resources is one of these three areas.
Note: The same question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2022 on 16-07-2022 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2026-27):
Table 3.1: Approaches to Human Development |
