Capability Theory for Use in Alcohol and Drug Education Research (2004)

Alcohol and drug education is an applied field that depends on behavioral and social sciences for the theories that can be reified as measurable and testable for explaining and predicting alcohol and drug-related phenomena. Using a theory is vital for improving practice. Theory helps in discerning measurable program outcomes, identifying timings for the interventions, choosing the right mix of strategies, improving intervention efficacy and effectiveness, and improving program replication (Glanz, Rimer & Lewis, 2002; van Ryn & Heaney, 1992). One such theory from the field of microeconomics is Amartya Sen's Capability Theory for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Economic Science in 1998 (Sen, 1987, 1988). This theory provides an alternative paradigm to the utilitarian approach commonly propounded in microeconomics (Sen, 1980). The paradigm of utilitarianism essentially postulates that a person controls factors of production, which in turn shape a person's income that in turn regulates the commodities consumed by the person and that personal utility shapes a person's well being. Capability Theory does not postulate the importance of goods themselves or the pleasure one derives from the use of goods but emphasizes people's opportunities to make use of the resources to achieve well being. Sen's model has received critical examination in economics, philosophy, ethics, women's development and other social sciences. However, it has not been used in alcohol and drug education research. In order to make any theory meaningful, in the quantitative paradigm, it is imperative to define mutually exclusive constructs that can be measured as numbers. The first construct in Sen's capability theory is the construct of exchange entitlements which means goods and services that are obtained from a person's resources or endowments rather than through buying or selling (Gasper, 1997). These endowments are influenced by entitlement relations and are a part of entitlement mapping that includes ways of obtaining income and services other than production and sale. In alcohol and drug education research this construct can be reified by identifying persons who assist in quitting or useful goods and services for quitting that are available without production and sale. Interventions can then be designed to foster access to these goods and services for people wanting to quit. The second construct of the theory is called the characteristics. A commodity or good is not desired per se but is valued for a set of attributes that it provides. For example, food is valued for the taste and nutritional qualities that it provides. Likewise, alcohol is valued for the effects it produces. In alcohol and drug education research this construct can be used in identifying the values people place on using alcohol and drugs. Educational interventions can be designed to modify these perceived values. The third and most important construct of Sen's Capability Theory is capabilities. Capabilities refer to things a person can achieve or could have achieved in life. These are based on a set of real opportunities and not imagined ones. Capabilities can be seen at two levels: general or overall and a set or range of attributes that help a person for a particular accomplishment. The notion of capability is essentially one of freedom (Saito, 2003). Sen has not provided a comprehensive list of capabilities in his writings. Some of the capabilities that may be relevant for focusing in alcohol and drug education mainly to prevent usage would be: physical health, life expectancy, mental health, being a useful part of the society, having friends, freedom to pursue education, freedom to pursue career, freedom to have a job of one's liking, ability to marry, ability to raise a family, and ability to pursue spiritual goals. …