Coverage: This is a very complex theme touching on many aspects of development, many of which are also covered under the other different themes. However, two mutually reinforcing sub-themes are at the heart of the thematic area. The first is the analysis of processes by which capabilities are expanded. Access to education, skills development and health services feature very prominently in this sub-theme. Included as well is access to many other services and resources that help to endow human capabilities such as water and sanitation, infrastructure, shelter, financial resources, physical assets and natural resources. Analysis of resources at the command of households/communities to pursue their wellbeing, including sustainable livelihoods, provides a holistic framework for this sub-theme. The second is the analysis of processes and contexts in which the acquired capabilities are deployed to achieve wellbeing goals. The way in which societies organize themselves in terms of socio-political institutions and cultural norms that shape intra- and inter-household allocation of resources is central to activities undertaken under this sub-theme.