Paper Topic:

Theories of Justice

The aim of this is to review three theories of justice as suggested by Fraser , Rawls and Nussbaum with regard to their ethical plausibility and practical implementability in the real world politics

According to Fraser 's theory , in the post-socialist age group identity replaces class interest as the chief medium of political mobilization cultural domination replaces exploitation as the ultimate form of injustice , and cultural recognition rather than socioeconomic redistribution becomes the goal of any political struggle . Patterns of representation , interpretation , and communication always reflect power and domination of one cultural

group over another . This view appears well-grounded given the rise of identity politics and the multicultural nature of most contemporary societies

However , the issue of material inequality should be also taken into account . Therefore , Fraser 's theory combines material and ideational forces and suggests that justice in a modern world requires both redistribution and recognition , since economic disadvantage and cultural disrespect often go hand in hand . Cultural norms can be deeply embedded in institutional design - either explicitly or implicitly - thus preventing certain groups from meaningful participation in political or economic life of their communities

Most collectivities , according to Fraser , are bivalent , meaning that they have both cultural and socioeconomic dimensions . The most prominent types of identities , gender and `race , are in fact bivalent . For example , females are discriminated both at the workplace and in the symbolic cultural space dominated by valorization of masculinity . In Fraser 's opinion , social justice - both at symbolic and socio-economic level - can be achieved...

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