Indigenous Peoples and the Capability Approach

Despite some achievements gained during the indigenous struggle for rights and recognition, many indigenous groups continue to fight against unjust social, political, environmental, and historical conditions. Ideas which engage with the lived experiences of communities themselves, such as the human development and capability approach, are crucial if we are to understand the conditions in which the struggle for self-determination take place.

Indigenous Peoples and the Capability Approach introduces readers to the human development and capability approach and explores how it might be used to help us to understand the values, needs, and aspirations of indigenous peoples. Split into three handy sections, the book explores the key concepts, methods and applications of the capability approach and indigenous perspectives to well-being and development. Using a range of examples and case studies from Maori, First Nations, Native American, Aboriginal, African, and Asian indigenous communities, the book provides a window into the lived experiences of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable groups in the world.

The first book to bring indigenous perspectives into conversation with the capability approach, Indigenous Peoples and the Capability Approach will be essential reading for both students and policy makers with an interest in the well-being and development of indigenous communities.