Good care and capabilities theory: the development of a relational framework for carers and adults with severe disability

Authors

  • Mary Butler

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol8iss2id176

Keywords:

capabilities approach, carers, disability, literary ethnography

Abstract

In this paper the capability approach is used to describe the work of family carers of adults with severe disability. This approach provides a framework for equality that takes dependence into account. The philosopher Amartya Sen presses for the necessity to have public discourse in arriving at specific capability frameworks that will meet particular needs. In this paper a capability framework is proposed that might fit the situation of carers. It draws particularly on the work of philosopher Hannah Arendt in “The Human Condition”, and the work of Sarah Ruddich in her classic ethnography “Maternal thinking”. A relational perspective is developed using literary ethnography. The development of this list has the potential to enhance public debate about the use of the capabilities approach with carers and adults with severe disability.

Author Biography

  • Mary Butler
    Mary Butler is an anthropologist with a background in occupational therapy.

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Published

20-10-2011

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2011)

Section

Articles

License

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How to Cite

Good care and capabilities theory: the development of a relational framework for carers and adults with severe disability. (2011). Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, 8(2), 57-76. https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol8iss2id176