The capability approach in empirical women’s studies: A scoping review

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study conducted a scoping review to explore how the Capability Approach (CA) has been used to conduct empirical research in the field of women’s studies. After general analysis of the articles selected within the eligibility criteria of the current review, we analyzed how the CA was used as a theoretical foundation, a methodological guide, or a practical tool. Through a full screening of 80 empirical articles in this field, we found that the majority fell under the category of “research with women.” While undertaking this research, qualitative methods and a sensitivity to the contexts and environments where the participants lived were employed when selecting articles. We also found that education and development studies held a dominant position within the topic. The studies tended to take a qualitative approach in methodologies, and focused on women of a reproductive age group when choosing research participants. After discussing the advances and weaknesses of employing the CA in empirical women’s studies, we identified where empirical women’s studies using the CA could be developed in terms of disciplines, targeted locations and groups of women, context-sensitivity, and research methodologies.