Conceptualising energy use and energy poverty using a capabilities framework
University of Birmingham · Lancaster University
Abstract
In this article we conceptualise energy use from a capabilities perspective, informed by the work of Amartya Sen, Martha Nussbaum and others following them. Building on this, we suggest a corresponding definition of energy poverty, as understood in the capabilities space. We argue that such an understanding provides a theoretically coherent means of comprehending the relationship between energy and wellbeing, and thus conceptualising energy deprivation, that makes sense across settings including both the global North and South: a coherence which has previously been lacking. At the same time, it has the flexibility to be deployed in a way that is sensitive to local contexts. Understanding energy use in the…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 18.88
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 84
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- Energy poverty
- Energy (signal processing)
- Context (archaeology)
- Poverty
- Coherence (philosophical gambling strategy)
- Flexibility (engineering)
- Intervention (counseling)
- Perspective (graphical)