A Defense of the Capabilities Approach

Type :

Presentation

Pages :

8 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

05/03/2007

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Humanities/philosophy

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Summary :

Introduction
Nussbaum argument on an effective feminist
1. Nussbaum and other feminists
2. Nussbaum's view of the anti-Western critique
Devalue women's contributions and abilities
Nussbaum and relativism
1. The idea of relativism in todays world
2. Nussbaum and moral relativism
The view that her arguments are paternalistic
1. Nussbaum's claim that many laws are in themselves paternalistic
Nussbaum's theory and its implementation in a society like India
1. Trying to secure access to education and protection against discrimination
2. The need for ending the devaluation of women in India
The need for the US to focus on promoting a more balanced view of sexual health
Conclusion
Works cited

Abstract

There is no country in the world where women are treated equally to men. Women are consistently fed less than men, given fewer educational opportunities, and fewer freedoms. Situations in developing countries are often more overtly detrimental to women, for example in India, it is estimated that "one woman is raped every 54 minute, and rape cases increased 32% between 1990 and 1997" (Nussbaum quoting India Abroad, Women and Human Development, p. 3). However, women's inequality is not simply a "Third World" issue; it is a problem that affects women's lives every day in nearly every country. For example, a similar type of statistic can be found for the United States: "Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted". Obviously the occurrence of rape in America is much higher than that of India, especially since India has a population about four times as large as the United States. While looking at these numbers, which in no way reflect the magnitude of problems women face, one must ask, how can women flourish if they cannot be assured basic bodily integrity and freedom from harm? Martha Nussbaum seeks to try and provide a theory to answer this question. Her capabilities approach establishes ten capabilities that Nussbaum believes are necessary for women to have the ability to fight inequalities or at least to secure a stable life for themselves.