On the Human Rights Question

Main author: O'Connell, Paul
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-24788
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description There is a marked disjuncture today between the generalized critique and rejection of human rights by many progressive and critical commentators, and the embrace of the language of human rights by a variety of movements around the world engaged in struggles for social change. This divide between critical theory and critical practice raises important questions about whether and how movements for fundamental social change should engage with human rights. In contrast to a number of well-established critical dismissals of rights, this article argues, from within the Marxist tradition, that human rights can, and in some cases should, be deployed by social movements in their campaigns. However, reaching this conclusion requires developing an understanding of human rights that gives primacy to social struggle and to a nuanced understanding of the contradictory nature of human rights.
format Journal Article
author O'Connell, Paul
author_facet O'Connell, Paul
authorStr O'Connell, Paul
author_letter O'Connell, Paul
title On the Human Rights Question
publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
publishDate 2018
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/24788/