Well-being dynamics among poor children and young people in Taiwan: Capability approach-based investigation

Abstract

In this paper, the well-being dynamics of Taiwanese poor children are analyzed by utilizing the ‘Taiwanese Panel Data of Poor Children and Young People’. Guided by the capability approach, children could be deprived in terms of the interplay of functionings and capabilities. Our findings show that capability deprivation affect more poor children than other forms of deprivation do. Also, compared to the transitions of the other deprivation categories, there is a persistent nature in capability deprivation among poor children and young people. Moreover, changes in some resource factors (e.g., computers and pocket money) and conversion factors (e.g., gender, school transfer, child relationship with teachers or classmates) are found to have a significant relationship with their well-being dynamics. Based on the research findings, a proactive approach is proposed to expand the capabilities and freedoms of poor children. In addition, the research limitations that need addressing in future studies are considered.