Liberalism, neoliberalism, and capability generation: Toward a normative basis for planning in developing nations

Planning in developing nations is increasingly guided by the new market ort hodoxy of efficiency. Here, an alternative guiding ethical system is sought within liberal theory, specifically by using Sen's "capability" approach, and by rejecting libertarianism, utilitarianism, and outcome egalitarianism . The capability-generation approach is shown to be both equitable and effi cient. The spatial implications of capability-generation are developed, and the argument made that the delivery of equal access to capability-generati ng resources should be the primary goal of planning in developing nations. Finally, the implications of this normative approach for the practice of de velopment planning are discussed.