
Madison Powers and Ruth Faden here develop an innovative theory of structural injustice that links human rights norms and fairness norms. Norms of both kinds are grounded in an account of well-being. Their well-being account provides the foundation for human rights, explains the depth of unfairness of systematic patterns of disadvantage, and locates the unfairness of power relations in forms of control some groups have over the well-being of other groups. They explain how human rights violations and structurally unfair patterns of power and advantage are so often interconnected.Unlike theories of structural injustice tailored for largely benign social processes, Powers and Faden's theory addresses typical patterns of structural injustice-those in which the wrongful conduct of identifiable agents creates or sustains mutually reinforcing forms of injustice. These patterns exist both within nation-states and across national boundaries. However, this theory rejects the claim that for a structural theory to be broadly applicable both within and across national boundaries its central claims must be universally endorsable. Instead, Powers and Faden find support for their theory in examples of structural injustice around the world, and in the insights and perspectives of related social movements. Their theory also differs from approaches that make enhanced democratic decision-making or the global extension of republican institutions the centerpiece of proposed remedies. Instead, the theory focuses on justifiable forms of resistance in circumstances in which institutions are unwilling or unable to address pressing problems of injustice.The insights developed in Structural Injustice will interest not only scholars and students in a range of disciplines from political philosophy to feminist theory and environmental justice, but also activists and journalists engaged with issues of social justice.
This work investigates the mechanisms of structural injustice by linking human rights norms and fairness norms to a foundational account of human well-being. Madison Powers and Ruth Faden, both established scholars in bioethics and political philosophy, construct a framework that identifies how systematic patterns of disadvantage are sustained by identifiable agents. Their argument posits that structural injustice is rooted in power relations where specific groups exert control over the well-being of others, necessitating a focus on justifiable resistance when institutions fail to address these inequities.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and practitioners in political philosophy, feminist theory, and environmental justice frequently cite this text for its rigorous approach to systemic disadvantage. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for an audience of researchers, students, and policy-oriented activists.
Page Count:
324
Publication Date:
2019-09-27
ISBN-10:
0190053984
ISBN-13:
9780190053987
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