Capability Approach, Livelihoods and Social Inclusion: Agents of Change in Rural India

Abstract

This chapter presents a case study from rural India. The study is located in participatory methods within an overall capability approach (CA) based ‘bottom-up’ development. The conceptual model for this selected self-help group (SHG) that is an externally funded state initiative is human-centred and agency-led.* Based on ‘micro-savings’ of the members, the SHGs comprise the poorest and socially excluded women. The model is conceived in terms of: (a) capability expansion that focuses on agency; (b) individual and collective capacity building; and (c) adoption of and participation in self-selected livelihood opportunities. The focal point of the process is the individual rural woman belonging to the poorest and the most socially excluded cohort in the village. The ‘newness’ of this initiative, though, is embedded in its structure such that the drivers of change are these women, the ‘agency’ itself.