The capability approach to the wellbeing of poor adolescents: a Taiwanese case study

Abstract

Owing to the widely accepted limitations of resource-based poverty measures, multiple aspects of children’s agency offer a more appropriate means of investigating this subject. Accordingly, in this paper the capability approach (CA) to studying Taiwanese poor adolescents’ wellbeing situations has been adopted. Two questions are addressed concerning the exploration of both the functionings and capabilities of poor adolescents as well as the determinants in relation to the combination of these facets. The research outcomes demonstrate a marked diversity in disadvantaged adolescents’ wellbeing and lead to the identification of some important factors underpinning this variety. Finally, the research findings have profound implications for reforming child welfare services so as to cater for these adolescents’ needs better.