Education as Capability in the Development Plans of Iran

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Amartya Sen capability approach to the role of education in five economic, social and cultural development programs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to Amartya Sen, the measure of development is not just goals such as increasing GDP or industrialization; He believes that the value of indicators such as technological advancement and social modernization depends on human capabilities. Empowering individuals requires opportunities such as economic freedom, political freedom, and social facilities, including adequate health care and education. It is as a result of such an approach that the free human factor can make economic and political development possible. Any disruption to individuals' access to freedom and justice will prevent them from growing and empowering themselves. This attitude is contrary to current policy; Policies that limit human development to rich countries only. The main question of the research is to what extent the macro educational policies in the development programs of the country are in line with increasing the capabilities of individuals? Based on this hypothesis, a review of the educational goals of the five economic, social and cultural development programs of the Islamic Republic of Iran shows a gradual and conscious increase in attention to education as a capability in the country's macro-policies over the past four decades. In this research, it is descriptive-analytical and library and documentary sources have been used to collect its data. The findings of the research indicate that although the role of education as a capability in the goals of the first and second economic, social and cultural development programs of the Islamic Republic of Iran It is not outstanding, but in the third, fourth and fifth development plans, effective steps are taken to use education as an essential capability for empowering people.