Paper short abstract:

The research explores the issue of gender inequality in housing in India. Despite reforms, traditional cultural norms continue to hinder women's housing rights. The study adopts a policy analysis and interviews to examine the housing rights of women. It advocates for a reevaluation of India's housing policies through a lens of human development and emphasizes the need for gender equality.

Paper long abstract:

The study aims to investigate the ongoing issue of gender disparities in housing access in India and explores its impact on human development. Despite the implementation of legal reforms and international commitments, persistent cultural norms and discriminatory practices continue to hinder women's equal housing rights, especially among those living in urban poverty. Through the lens of human development, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between state responsibilities, legal frameworks, and cultural biases that contribute to the feminization of poverty in housing.

This study is focused on gaining an understanding of how gender biases and discriminatory practices contribute to the feminization of poverty when it comes to accessing housing in India. The main research question is supported by subquestions that delve into the specific impacts of gender biases and investigate how discriminatory practices perpetuate unequal opportunities for women, especially among those living in urban poverty. Additionally, this study examines the role of the government in shaping property laws and influencing housing dynamics for women, while also evaluating how effective legislative reforms and government initiatives have been in addressing gender disparities in housing. It also identifies persistent challenges that hinder achieving gender equality in this domain. Together, these questions provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing the complex issues surrounding gender disparities in housing access within India.

In terms of methodology, this study employs a comprehensive policy analysis approach by drawing information from government databases, research institutes, and international organizations. Additionally, a literature review provides historical context along with theoretical frameworks. The study strongly emphasizes ethics and credibility, taking into account the perspectives of women living in the slums of NCT Delhi. These perspectives provide valuable insights into how housing disparities impact human development.

From a conceptual standpoint, the study adopts a human development approach to examine gender disparities in housing. It recognizes that housing is crucial in determining people's capabilities, dignity, and agency. The research delves into how these disparities intersect with broader dimensions of human development, particularly about women's autonomy, empowerment, and overall well-being. The central argument asserts that existing housing policies fall short of ensuring fair access for all, thereby perpetuating gender inequalities and hindering the overall progress of marginalized women. This has significant implications for human development.

The findings shed light on the historical evolution of India's housing policies, which have transitioned from state-centric to market-driven approaches over time. Despite legislative reforms aimed at addressing discriminatory practices, cultural biases persist and hinder women's access to housing and property rights. Achieving gender equality remains challenging, necessitating a multifaceted strategy that includes legal harmonization efforts, raising awareness about these issues, and empowering women economically.

While progress has been made towards achieving the goal of "Housing for All" by 2024 in India, significant challenges still need to be addressed. This requires adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches to housing policies that consider social, cultural, and economic dimensions.

In conclusion, the study calls for a thorough reassessment and improvement of India's housing policies within the framework of human development considerations. It aims to provide policymakers with valuable insights, advocating for more inclusive and fair approaches to meet the unique requirements of women living in poverty in urban areas. The goal is to promote gender equality in housing and support broader human development objectives.

Keywords

Gender inequalities, Access to housing, Human development, Responsibilities of the state, Reforms in legislation.

Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the theoretical and empirical relationship between universal healthcare, social trust and redistributive preferences by conceptualizing universal social policies as a ‘spaces of equality’. It suggests trust mediates the connection between universalism and support for redistributive policies, emphasizing their joint role as collective capabilities.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the relationship between universal healthcare and individual perceptions of social and public trust by conceptualizing universal policies as 'spaces of equality' that shape citizens’ relationship both vertically with the state and horizontally with society. Drawing on the capabilities approach, particularly the notion of social trust as a collective capability, the paper situates trust as a foundational element in the functioning of welfare systems. Within the capabilities approach, social trust is conceptualized not only as an individual attribute but also as a societal resource that enables cooperation, collective action, and the realization of human capabilities (Sen, 1999).

Building upon this theoretical foundation, the paper examines healthcare as a case study of broader universal welfare programs, exploring how universalism in healthcare provision shapes citizens’ trust in governmental institutions and societal structures. The capabilities approach underscores the importance of considering not just the material outcomes of policies, but also the extent to which they promote individuals' freedoms and capabilities to lead the lives they value (Nussbaum, 2011). In this context, universal healthcare can be seen as a crucial aspect of enhancing people's capabilities by providing access to essential healthcare services regardless of socio-economic status, thereby contributing to the expansion of human capabilities and the promotion of social justice.

The paper posits that trust serves as a mediator in the relationship between universalism and the political support for redistributive policies, with higher levels of trust facilitating greater public acceptance and endorsement of redistributive measures aimed at reducing social inequalities. Trust is essential for the effective functioning of welfare states, as it influences citizens' willingness to contribute to collective welfare through taxation and their confidence in the state's ability to deliver on its promises of social protection and support (Rothstein & Uslaner, 2005).

To operationalize the analysis, the paper utilizes a novel Healthcare Universalism Index developed by Schillings and Sánchez-Ancochea (2023), which measures the extent and quality of universal healthcare provision across different countries. Additionally, data from the World Values Survey (WVS) and the European Values Study (EVS) are employed to capture individuals’ perceptions of social trust and their attitudes towards redistribution.

Employing multilevel regression models across a sample of 108 countries, the analysis reveals a robust association between universal healthcare and social trust. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the combination of improvements in universal healthcare and trust is essential for strengthening support for redistributive policies. Specifically, the presence of trust acts as a precondition for the positive relationship between universalism and individuals’ preferences for taxation and social security.

The findings of the study lend support to the hypothesis of 'virtuous cycles of universalism,' suggesting that universal policies can cultivate social trust by creating 'spaces of equality.' These spaces, characterized by universal access independent of socioeconomic background or status, have the potential to foster cross-class coalitions and solidarity, thereby bolstering support for redistributive measures aimed at enhancing social justice and equity.

In conclusion, the paper underscores the critical role of trust in shaping the effectiveness and legitimacy of universal welfare policies, highlighting the importance of fostering social trust as a collective capability within societies. By exploring the mechanisms through which universalism and trust interact to influence attitudes towards redistribution, the study contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics underpinning the relationship between welfare state expansion and social cohesion.

Paper short abstract:

The present study focused over how crime against women diminishes numerous valuable capabilities and how the state responsibility is crucial. Three sections comprises-first, conceptual and theoretical framework of crime against women, second, the state crucial responsibility in a theoretical framework, third, empirical insight on role and responsibility bearing by a state like, India.

Paper long abstract:

Women can be a victim of any general crime like, murder, looting, cheating, etc. but if a women became victim of a crime specifically on the basis of her gender consider as crime against women which encompass a wide range of offences. The present study focused over how crime against women diminishes numerous valuable capabilities directly or indirectly and how the state responsibility is crucial. The entire study has divided into three sections in which first section comprise conceptual and theoretical framework of crime against women in global peripheral and how crime against women diminishes numerous valuable capabilities not only present generation but also of future generation.

Crime against women can broadly categories and include but not limited under: Crime based on Sexuality - sextual assault, rape, molestation, harassment, trafficking for prostitution, etc., Crime based on Tradition - dowry, honour killings, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, female infanticide, etc. and Crime based on Status of Women in the Household and Relationship - physical, emotional, sextual and economic abuse within the context of an intimate relationship and within the family. Crime against women is a global concern due to its long-lasting adverse impact on not only the women who has suffered with crime in form of physical and psychological health problems but the adverse impact is intergenerational which passes one generation to future generation in form of insecurity and threat. Studies conducted by number of scholars (Nussbaum, 2005; Abji, 2016; Aolain, 2009; Chakraborty et al., 2021, and many others) and several national and international organizations like, UN Women indicates that no women in the world secure from crime against women. If fortunately, they directly have not experienced with the offence but fear of insecurity and threat always remains in their mind. Martha Nussbaum (2005) has shared her experience of one night in Finland, while she was working at World Institute for Development Economic research (WIDER) decided to go out walking in the woods at one a.m., because she never been able to enjoy that freedom before and Finland consider as one of the safest country for women even in night. 10 minutes walked in lovely forest, realized her that the fear would not go away and she would never be able to enjoy such a midnight stroll, not ever in her entire life. Such experience of Martha Nussbaum’s in a comparatively safe country can indicate the magnitude of fear of insecurity and threat of a women located in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India, etc. where crime against women rate is high. The high magnitude of fear will affect adversely to more generations. Martha Nussbaum has stressed over such type of fear of insecurity and threat greatly diminishes numerous valuable capabilities directly or indirectly. Such type of fear of insecurity also generate absence of “free will” in women’s subconscious mind and passes present generation to future generation like tradition. The absence of “free will” can became the reason behind the capability failure generation to generation.

The second part of the study deals with Under such ailment; how the state responsibility became more crucial in a theoretical and conceptual framework. The State responsibility can broadly categories and include but not limited under: (i) Crime against women be defined as a violation of the law and an act of deviance from established rules of a nation and became punishable. Therefore, it is responsibility of a state to bring out each and every category of violence against women under the crime with required amendment in their constitution and legal regulations. (ii) It normally observed that instead of anger and being rebellion, victim women feel guilty and fatalism (Nussbaum, 2005). This is the state responsibility to enhance awareness and environment among masses, society and women themselves to treat victim of such crimes as a general crime victim by adopting multidimensional packages of schemes and policies. (iii) the entire legal and judiciary system of a state should be accountable and responsible to reduce crime against women in real term and the punishment rate of crime against women should increases.

The third part of the study provides empirical insight on role and responsibility bearing by a state for crime against women and its intergenerational impact in the context of Indian State with discussion and concluding remark. India is a diversified nation having diversity in culture, religion, tradition, language, etc. With possibility of under reporting, according to National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, rate of total crime against women in year 2022 was 66.4 which was 64.5 in year 2021, 56.5 in year 2020, 62.4 in year 2019 and 58.8 in year 2018. If we consider 2020 as abnormal year for crime reporting due to Covid-19, the increasing trend can be observed. Two reasons can be identified – (i) crime against women has increased in India over the mentioned year or (ii) state is somehow playing positive responsibility with legal and policy measures like, amendments in criminal law specifically for sextual crime, Mission Shakti (which aims at strengthening interventions to improve women safety and empowerment) which has reduced fear and guilt of victims, so reporting has increased which may further generate inverted U shape trend in rate of total crime against women in India in near future.

Keywords: Crime Against Women, Capabilities, State Responsibility, India.

Paper short abstract:

This paper reflects on conceptions of aspiration, capability to aspire and capability to realise aspirations, drawing on the capability approach and sociological theory. These concepts deepen understanding of the potential of person-centred healthcare approaches using the example of the NHS in England. The conclusions are relevant to health and welfare policies and practices in diverse contexts.

Paper long abstract:

Introduction

This paper reflects on conceptions of aspiration, capability to aspire and capability to realise aspirations, drawing on the capability approach and sociological theory. These concepts are applied to deepen understanding of the potential of person-centred healthcare approaches using the example of the personalised care agenda in the NHS in England. The conclusions are relevant to health and welfare policies and practices in diverse contexts.

Key words: capability to aspire, capability approach, health capability, personalised care, NHS England.

Context

Over the last two decades there has been growing interest in the concept of the capability to aspire and its relevance for human flourishing. Although the literature has grown, so too have misconceptions of terminology related to the capability to aspire (aspiration, capacity to aspire, capabilities to realise aspirations) and the positioning of aspirations and capability to aspire in a capability approach paradigm. The opening task of this paper is to offer clarification on key concepts with a particular focus on the capability to aspire. Then, in the second part of the paper, the paper draws on work by Venkatapuram (2011) and Ruger (2010) to relate health capability with the capability to aspire and the NHS in England is used as an example to explore the transformative potential of institutions. The focus is the person-centred approach to health care that has evolved significantly in the NHS over the last decade.

The budget for the National Health Service in England is estimated at £155 billion for 2022-23 (Kings' Fund, 2023). It is the biggest employer in the UK and one of the largest in the world with just under 2 million employees. However, it is facing increasingly challenging times with thousands of vacant posts, chronic under-funding and a rising demand for services. An exponential rise in long term conditions and co-morbidity is predicted in England and by 2035 two-thirds of adults are expected to be living with multiple health conditions and 17% will have four or more conditions. There is a health gradient with significantly poorer health and earlier onset of co-morbidity in disadvantaged areas (NHS, 2023). Already 84% of General Practitioners (GPs) have said that their workload is unmanageable or excessive and can prevent quality and safe care (NHS, 2019). In response to this evolving crisis, the NHS has adopted a ‘personalised care’ approach aimed particularly at increasing individuals’ abilities to self-manage their long-term conditions, becoming more active agents in their own care. The drivers are social, political and economic with rising costs of care and rising demand, fuelled by co-morbidity and an ageing population.

Central Arguments

The paper argues that it is vital to focus on the twin areas of individuals’ capabilities to aspire alongside their capabilities to realise their aspirations and not only on the former although capability to aspire has an intrinsic value. In light of neoliberal tendencies to position individuals as individually responsible and accountable, an argument is also made to increase transparency and awareness of the wider determinants of health and variation in the real opportunities individuals have to live in ways they have reason to value. The discussion also addresses tensions and opportunities in the relationship between individual flourishing and collective well-being, foregrounding institutional challenges in sharing limited resources and acting in ways that support equity as perceived within a capability paradigm.

Conclusion

Person-centred approaches in healthcare and elsewhere have the potential to support and nurture individuals’ capabilities to aspire. However, there are numerous caveats to this. Some individuals will enjoy greater capability to aspire than others and some will be more or less capable of realising combinations of aspirations they have the greatest cumulative reason to value. Moreover, not all individual aspirations will be in keeping with equity and justice in relation to wider societal, collective and individual needs. Realising aspirations that contribute to the climate crisis is an example of this. Future institutional policy and practice in the NHS in England, and elsewhere, may more effectively pursue social justice and the fullest human flourishing possible by balancing nurturing individuals’ capabilities to aspire and their capabilities to realise aspirations being mindful of resource limitations, wider social determinants and moral consequences, in the short and longer term. It is incumbent on individuals as well as institutions, governments and policy makers to reflect on the degree to which individuals are able to equitably realise their aspirations in the present, with consideration to future generations, other species and the environment and, ultimately, at a global level.

References

Department of Health and Social Care (2023) Major Conditions Strategy: Case for Change and our strategic framework (UK government, UK).

Jennifer Prah Ruger (2010) Health and Social Justice. New York, Oxford University Press.

Kings’ Fund (2023) The NHS Budget and How it has Changed accessible at The NHS budget and how it has changed | The King's Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)

NHS (2019) Universal Personalised Care: Implementing the Comprehensive Model, NHS, London.

Venkatapuram, S. (2011) Health justice: An argument from the capabilities approach. (n/a ed.) Polity.