Conceptual Definition of Quality of Life from the Capability Approach: Construction and Application for Mexican Municipalities
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Theories of development, often centered on an economistic perspective, have not convincingly explained the role of municipal government in improving quality of life. This theoretical article argues that quality of life, understood as the extent to which people are able to live fully and satisfactorily in a just environment that provides them with equal opportunities to develop in the economic, social, and cultural spheres through the provision of minimum satisfiers, offers a clear framework for how Mexican municipalities can act in this area. Through an analogy with particle physics, the article proposes breaking down the major “elements of development” (health, education, income, environment, and personal security) into “particles of development,” that is, concrete and manageable aspects linked to the constitutional powers of municipalities. The analysis illustrates how public services such as potable water provision or crime prevention, when considered “elementary particles of development,” directly impact broader elements of development. Additionally, the concept of “development superposition” is introduced to explain how a single particle, such as a street, can simultaneously contribute to multiple elements of development, such as health and education. Taken together, the proposal provides a conceptual definition and an interpretive framework to guide municipal management aimed at improving quality of life.
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