Factors inhibiting control over one’s environment: A human capabilities perspective

Abstract

The human capabilities approach, developed by Nussbaum and Sen, focuses on the well-being of individuals by concentrating on functioning(s) and capabilities. Control over one’s environment is one of the ten (10) capabilities, according to Nussbaum, that should be respected and implemented for well-being. Nevertheless, research on issues of control over one’s environment is still scarce in South Africa. Therefore, guided by the human capabilities approach, this paper focuses on factors inhibiting control over one’s environment in Philippolis, Calvinia and Lamberts Bay which are small rural townships in South Africa. This is an essential step in facilitating awareness and provision of opportunities for control over one’s environment as an essential element for functioning. A qualitative approach was used to guide data collection and analysis. Data was collected from fifty-five (55) parents and a further twenty-three (23) stakeholders using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed for the analysis of the data. Results of the study indicated that limited opportunities and financial resources, poor service delivery, lack of interest in politics, dependency, and school dropout impede individual’s control over their environment. The study highlights the need for increased efforts by all stakeholders in society to ensure access to resources necessary for functioning. Individuals and families should be encouraged to take advantage of the resources at their disposal and use them for improved quality of life such as using education as a conversion factor for improved lives.