Using Humanistic Economics and the Capabilities Approach to Rethink Early Childhood Educational Research, Practices, and Policies

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium examines how a theoretical model new to early childhood challenges teachers’ and policymakers’ views on the goals and purposes of early education programs. The interdisciplinary model draws on the Capabilities Approach outlined by economist Amartya Sen and philosopher Martha Nussbaum, and also incorporates the fields of early childhood education, anthropology, and special education. The presenters consider how the model changes our understanding of the nature and role of agency in children’s learning and development, our ways of working with immigrant parents, the methods for assessing the value of long-term benefits of early education, and views on special education. The model shifts our focus from narrow achievement based assessments to a more expansive view of children’s well-being.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Perspectives on Early Childhood Education

Chair

• Cary A. Buzzelli, Indiana University - Bloomington

Papers

• The Capabilities Approach: An Alternative for Valuing Early Education and Children’s Well-Being - Cary A. Buzzelli, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Agency, Capability, and Young Children of Immigrants: Applying Humanistic Economics to First Grade - Jennifer Keys Adair, The University of Texas - Austin

• “Yo trabajo con mi hijo”: The Agency and Capabilities of Latino Immigrant Parents - Kiyomi Sanchez-Suzuki Colegrove, Texas State University

• Identification and Labels for Young Tanzanian Children: A Capability Approach Analysis - Angela Stone-MacDonald, University of Massachusetts - Boston

Discussant

• Sharon Ryan, Rutgers University