On the Feminization of Internal Displacement During War in Terms of Amartya Sen's Capability Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/2306-3971-2025-02-21-21Keywords:
internally displaced persons, women, conflict, capability approach, forced migration, UkraineAbstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of the social group of women who are internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine. The theoretical foundation of the analysis is Amartya Sen’s capability approach, which makes it possible to consider the situation of displaced women not only as material deprivation but as a crisis of real opportunities (freedom of choice, capabilities, and functioning) within the context of structural constraints, gender norms, and wartime conditions. The article highlights the specific features of the increased vulnerability of displaced women due to limited opportunities for integration into new socio-economic environments. They face challenges of losing stability, difficulties in employment, the need to support their families, care for family members, and adapt to new realities. Based on a narrative analytical review of literature, empirical research findings, and reports of international organizations, the psychological, economic, and social aspects of the situation of displaced women were identified. The analysis revealed that the position of displaced women is characterized by a closed cycle of mutually reinforcing constraints: narrowed freedom of choice → reduced capabilities → limited functioning → further narrowing of freedom. The study suggests conducting further empirical research using Sen’s approach to develop differentiated support strategies and create conditions that enable displaced women to determine their own paths toward recovery and development amid a prolonged military conflict.
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