Hart, C.F. (2016) How Do Aspirations Matter? Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 17 (3). pp. 324-341. ISSN 1945-2829
Abstract
This paper explores the complex roles of aspirations in relation to human development, drawing upon the capability approach. The paper examines the notion of feasibility of aspirations and the impact feasibility judgements have on aspiration formation and aspiration realisation, in terms of both capabilities and functionings. In particular this paper extends existing theory by building on Hart’s (2004, 2012) dynamic multi-dimensional model of aspiration and Hart’s (2012) aspiration set. The theorization builds on empirical work, undertaken in the UK, seeking to understand pupil’s aspirations on leaving school and college at age 17-19 as well as reviewing wider empirical and theoretical literature in this field. The discussion contributes to capability theory by extending understanding regarding first, the way that aspirations are connected to capabilities and functionings, secondly, the processes by which aspirations are converted into capabilities and thirdly, how certain capabilities become functionings. The paper reflects on the criteria that inform choices about the cultivation and selection of different aspirations on individual and collective bases. )n concluding the paper the question of ‘how do aspirations matter?’ is addressed. Ultimately an argument is made for the need to ‘reclaim’ a rich multi-dimensional concept of aspiration in order to pursue human development and flourishing for all.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > School of Education (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 16 Jun 2016 11:37 |
Last Modified: | 06 Nov 2018 11:07 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2016.1199540 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/19452829.2016.1199540 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:100661 |