Publication type
Journal Article
Authors
Publication date
June 1, 2011
Summary:
In the literature on Sen's capability approach, studies focusing on the empirical measurement of conversion factors are comparatively rare. We add to this field by adopting a measure of 'conversion efficiency' that captures the efficiency with which individuals convert their resources into achieved functioning. We use a non-parametric efficiency procedure borrowed from production theory and construct such a measure for a set of basic functionings, using data from the 2005 wave of the British Household Panel Survey. In Great Britain, 49.88% of the individuals can be considered efficient while the mean of the inefficient individuals reaches one-fifth less functioning achievement. An individual's conversion efficiency is positively affected by getting older, being self-employed, married, having no health problems and living in the London area. On the other hand, being unemployed, separated/divorced/widowed and (self-assessed) disabled decrease an individual 's conversion efficiency.
Published in
Journal of Human Development and Capabilities
Volume and page numbers
Volume: 12 , p.257 -281
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2011.571088
ISSN
19452829
Subject
Notes
Not held in Res Lib - bibliographic reference only
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