Adopting refined functionings in studying poverty: a pilot study in Italy

This article presents findings from a comprehensive study on poverty conducted by the National Research Council, adopting a multidimensional approach. Beyond the conventional metrics of income and consumption, our research incorporates socio-psychological dimensions, including individuals' perceptions of their socio-economic status, factors contributing to impoverishment, and the role of social capital. Our objective was to practically implement – or "operationalize" – Amartya Sen's Capabilities Approach (CA). As an initial step towards operationalization, we concentrated on the well-being and deprivation aspect of housing. This involved integrating the material aspects of housing with the broader elements that contribute to an individual's well-being. The process of operationalizing the functioning of housing in the context of the CA involved selecting relevant material characteristics and associated aspects that enhance individual well-being. This paper details the methodology behind the operationalization, the criteria for item selection in our questionnaire, and the rationale behind these choices, offering insights into the practical application of the Capabilities Approach in understanding poverty.