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Towards Holistic Understanding of the Lives of the Poor: Reading the Life History of Viramma (a Poor Dalit1 Woman) Conjointly with Martha Nussbaum’s List of Capabilities |
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Ann George |
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The capability approach has directed attention to a broader conceptualization of well-being in terms of human flourishing. This paper adopts this broadened concept of well-being to better understand the lives of the poor by employing a new methodology of life history. Specifically, I read the life history of Viramma, a poor Dalit woman from Tamil Nadu, conjointly with Martha Nussbaum’s ‘universal list of desirable capabilities,’ representing human flourishing. Viramma’s life history reveals the presence of several desirable capabilities analogous to those in Nussbaum’s list. The findings of this paper help one to give due respect to the identity of the poor who are often seen as mere victims. Besides, seeing the poor as individuals capable of positive identities and achievements helps one to appreciate their pursuits towards these achievements. These might even be their priorities, when compared to concerns that are considered as important by development practitioners and academics. |
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