1 Equality of What? 2 Freedom, Achievement and Resources 3 Functionings and Capability 4 Freedom, Agency and Well-Being 5 Justice and Capability 6 Welfare Economics and Inequality 7 Poverty and Affluence 8 Class, Gender and Other Groups 9 The Demands of Equality

Amartya Sen argues that the dictum "all people are created equal" serves largely to deflect attention from the fact that we differ in age, gender, talents, and physical abilities as well as in material advantages and social background. He argues for concentrating on higher and more basic values: individual capabilities and freedom to achieve objectives. By contentrating on the equity and efficiency of social arrangements in promoting freedoms and capabilities of individuals, Sen adds an important new dimension to arguments about such vital issues as gender inequalities, welfare policies, affirmative action, and public provision of health care and education.

Includes bibliographical references: p. [153]-197.