Capability Approach and Lifelong Learning: education for sustainable development and economic, global and transformative citizenship

Abstract

The general purpose of the work is to investigate the relationship between the Capability Approach and Lifelong Learning; the specific objectives consist in applying the Capability Approach to education for sustainable development and economic, global and transformative citizenship. Furthermore, the theoretical description of the Capability Approach’s heuristic potential in the conceptualization of Lifelong Learning, education for sustainable development, and economic, global, transformative citizenship turned out to be useful in identifying specific educational implications. Through the Capability Approach, educational experiences are characterized as more holistic and multidimensional personal, social and professional events. Specifically, the Capability Approach presents itself as a structure which can highlight the ability of a community to adapt to changes and contextualize environmental conflicts, helping to identify educational paths useful for overcoming any form of inequality due to exacerbated policies and practices of maximization. To be inspired by the principles of Capability Approach means to promote the development of skills and behaviours necessary to be financially prudent, socially aware and ethically responsible in business, in relationships and towards the environment.