Rather, it requires a package of overlapping mechanisms that progressively enable the exercise of a growing range of freedoms.

Sen notes, for example, that African Americans do not live to as old of ages as do people in regions of the world with comparatively smaller incomes.

This underscores Sen's idea that poverty and development should be seen as terms referring to someone's freedom.

In achieving these freedoms, Sen says, measures should include things like employment opportunities, education, and access to health care.

"[3] Canadian social scientist Lars Osberg wrote about the book: "Although Development as Freedom covers immense territory, it is subtle and nuanced and its careful scholarship is manifest at every turn.