Assessing rural marginality: contribution of the capability approach

This paper is an attempt to reconsider local development gaps using Sen's capability approach. Whereas it is generally seen as a normative approach whose aim is to provide a conceptual framework for social evaluation, the capability approach is also based on a comprehensive view of well-being determination that can be used for positive purposes. We first focus on the spatial dimensions of individual functionings and capabilities, and then suggest some guidelines regarding how the capability approach may complement traditional regional economics theories. In particular, we present the concept of spatial capabilities and their integration into a regional development framework, with an application to the situation of marginal rural areas.