Liberalism, Neoliberalism, and Capability Generation: Toward a Normative Basis for Planning in Developing Nations

Abstract

Planning in developing nations is increasingly guided by the new market orthodoxy of effi ciency. Here, an alternative guiding ethical system is sought within liberal theory, specifi cally by using Sen's "capability" approach, and by rejecting libertarianism, utilitarianism, and outcome egalitarianism. The capabiliry-gen eration approach is shown to be both equi table and efficient. The spatial implications of capability-generation are developed, and the argument made that the delivery of equal access to capability-generating resources should be the primary goal of planning in developing nations. Finally, the implications of this normative approach for the practice of development planning are discussed.