Power and Deliberative Participation in Sen’s Capability Approach

Abstract

In this chapter, Pepi Patron considers how different concepts of power might complement the capability approach. She begins by exploring two ‘thought-provoking’ interpretations of power advanced by Hannah Arendt (being able to ‘act in agreement’) and Jurgen Habermas (‘communicative power’), which depart from traditional notions of power (based on domination and control). Although there is a clear parallel with the capability approach here, Amartya Sen’s discussion of public reasoning and democratic institutions does not directly link with Arendt or Habermas. Instead, Sen proposes an asymmetric notion of power that stems from differences in human capabilities and entails corresponding duties, obligations, and responsibilities towards others. If the relatively powerful are in a position to help those who are unable to help themselves, they should do so. Patron regards Sen’s notion of asymmetric power as innovative (it involves empowering another, rather than dominating others or cooperating with others for mutual benefit), but contends that a more accurate account should embrace symmetry as well. This means recognizing the importance of symmetrical participation among citizens in shaping effective public deliberation, fostering communicative power, and building a more collective notion of power to further the capability approach.