Abstract

Amartya Sen insists on the social embeddedness of individual agency but his capability approach does show some controversial points regarding that. The paper deals with the social dimension of capabilities constructing an analytical path that combines two different levels of integration: on the one hand we will focus on conversion factors, that are part of Sen's approach; on the other hand we will develop the social dimension of capability through the concept of combined capabilities by Martha Nussbaum, of capacity to aspire by Arjun Appadurai and of situated State by Robert Salais and Michael Storper. The reflection is concluded building up an analytical grid that highlights and integrates the social dimension of the concept of capability, focusing particularly on the role of the institutions.