Table 1 Descriptions of the central capabilities

Bodily integrity

To feel safe and be protected from any kind of violence, be it physical, sexual or domestic. To be free to make reproductive choices and have opportunities for sexual satisfaction.

Affiliation

A. To have a variety of social interactions, show empathy, and care for and co-exist with others. For example, by maintaining relationships with family members.

B. To respect oneself and not feel ashamed. To be treated with dignity, for example to not be treated as deficient because of being in a homeless situation.

Play

To feel joy, have fun and engage in pastimes.

Senses, imagination, & thought

To engage in activities that stimulate thought, senses and imagination, such as education, and creative arts. To have freedom of speech and the freedom to practice one’s religious faith. To be free to experience pleasure and avoid non-beneficial pain.

Other species

To be able to enjoy and appreciate animals, plants, and the world of nature, for example by keeping a pet.

Bodily health

To have adequate shelter, good physical health, and to be adequately nourished.

Emotions

Not having one’s emotional development overshadowed by fear and anxiety, for example anxiety due to being without a home. To be able to experience love, grief, longing, gratitude, and justified anger.

Practical reason

To be able to reflect on and plan one’s future. To be able to engage in critical thinking.

Control over ones’ environment

A. Political: To participate in the political process, and exercise democratic rights as citizens, for example through voting in elections.

B. Material: To gain economic independence including through employment and owning property, or where this is not possible, to have control over the space where you reside.