Work Experiences of Women Survivors: Insights From the Capabilities Approach

• NCJ Number: 241297
• Journal: AFFILIA: Journal of Women and Social Work Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: 2010 Pages: 43-55
• Author(s): Loretta Pyles; Mahasweta M. Banerjee
• Date Published: 2010
• Length: 13 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2003-IJ-CX-1037
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article applied the capabilities approach to the experiences of low income women survivors of gender-based violence, who worked in the formal and informal economies.

Abstract

The study presented in this article applied the capabilities approach to the experiences of low income women survivors of gender-based violence, who worked in the formal and informal economies. Nine women were interviewed about their work histories, alternative resource-generating strategies, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of work, and the impact of gender based violence on their work lives. The authors vetted these experiences through the lens of Nussbaum's 10 human-functioning capabilities and found that 9 of the 10 capabilities were salient in the lives of these women. Implications for social welfare policy and practice with low-income women survivors are offered. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.