Publication

This report gives empirical confirmation of Amartya Sen’s concept of development as expansion of freedoms by demonstrating that people who are well off are more likely to support democracy than those who are poor. It analyzes the relationship between measurement and attitudes toward democracy in select African countries. The author uses an empirical measure which summarizes Sen’s thesis and uses surveys to provide insight into the underpinnings of democracy. He develops quantitative definitions for each freedom and combines it into a measurement of well-being entitled the "Sen Scale." The report concludes by noting that Afrobarometer surveys include many questions with political implications.