Capability Approach and Fuzzy Set Theory: Description, Aggregation and Inference Issues

Enrica Chiappero Martinetti
Additional contact information
Enrica Chiappero Martinetti: University of Pavia

Chapter 5 in Fuzzy Set Approach to Multidimensional Poverty Measurement, 2006, pp 93-113 from Springer

Abstract: Conclusion The aim of this Chapter has been to show in what sense fuzzy set theory can be useful in operationalizing multidimensional well-being analysis based on the capability approach. With their capacity to make formal logic and verbal formulations much closer to one another, and to establish close connections between theory and data analysis, fuzzy methodologies seem to be a useful and flexible tool for operationalizing the capability approach while preserving its richness and complexity. The Chapter has discussed the three main phases of operationalization description, aggregation and inference - while seeking to underline the main conceptual and methodological issues that could arise from a capability perspective. What is worth emphasizing is that the application of fuzzy sets methodology does not represent a sort of mechanical exercise or standard algorithm, but requires a fundamental interpretative effort for each step, with the aim of establishing a close link between the contents of the theoretical concepts under examination and their representation through fuzzy set theory. In order to take full advantage of fuzzy methodologies in the operationalization of the capability approach, many other aspects remain to be investigated - e.g. comparing different methods for constructing membership functions, testing different classes of fuzzy operators, making use of fuzzy inference systems for estimating capabilities instead of achieved functionings, and so forth. However, the affinity between fuzzy methodologies and the capability approach seems to be a very promising one.

Keywords: Membership Function; Fuzzy Inference System; Membership Degree; Capability Approach; Fuzzy Operator (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:esichp:978-0-387-34251-1_6

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9780387342511

DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-34251-1_6

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Economic Studies in Inequality, Social Exclusion, and Well-Being from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().