James J. Heckman
Director, Center for the Economics of
Human Development, University of Chicago
Amartya Sen Lecture
Human Development and Capability
Association September 11th, 2015 — Washington, D.C.
James J. Heckman (Nobel Laureate in
Economics, Professor at the University of Chicago), introduced various studies from the
perspectives of economics, psychology, and neuroscience and demonstrated their
implications for policies to promote the development of capabilities.
Many studies of the features of family
life that contribute to developing children who lead flourishing lives point in the same
direction, and show the harm that ensues when such investments are not made.
The way parents interact with their children, the amount of time they spend
with them and the resources they have to provide intellectual and social
stimulation greatly affect their children’s potential for leading flourishing lives.
James J. Heckman argues that capabilities
are the capacities of individuals to function in society. Disparities in
capabilities are major contributors to economic and social inequality. Policies
that equalize opportunities to express and acquire capabilities across all
segments of society reduce inequality. They foster social inclusion and promote
economic and social mobility. They generate economic productivity and create
social well-being. They give agency to people to shape their lives.
Essential elements for successful
childhoods include engaged, supporting parents and teachers and early health,
nutrition and learning.
• Cognitive Skills
• Produce better health practices;
produce more motivation; greater perception of rewards greater self control.
• Efective policies for adolescents
provide mentoring and integrate schooling and work.
• Predistribution of skills not just
Redistribution
• Giving people autonomy, agency, and
dignity
• Boosting the capabilities of children
entering school boosts the benefits of education for them.
• Early development is as important as
education in promoting wages, employment, and health.
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