Caring for Liberalism: Dependency and Liberal Political Theory

Caring for Liberalism explores how liberal political theory can be modified to incorporate care ethics, addressing criticisms from feminists that it ignores issues of race, class, and ethnicity. The book proposes that care ethics can be integrated into existing liberal frameworks while transforming other aspects, and it examines the design of social and political institutions for caregiving. It is a valuable resource for scholars working on liberalism in philosophy, political science, law, and public policy, particularly for feminist political philosophers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Caring for Liberalism is a groundbreaking collection of essays that delves into the transformative potential of liberal political theory to incorporate the concept of dependency. By exploring the role of care within liberalism, the book offers a novel approach to addressing the concerns of feminists who argue that traditional liberalism overlooks issues of race, class, and ethnicity. Rather than simply adding care to existing liberal frameworks, the chapters in this collection explore the intricate ways in which integrating dependency can preserve core aspects of liberal philosophy while reshaping other dimensions. The contributors also examine the design of social and political institutions that facilitate caregiving and receiving, with a particular focus on non-Western care practices. This comprehensive book appeals to scholars and researchers across philosophy, political science, law, and public policy, particularly feminist political philosophers. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which care can be integrated into liberal political thought to promote greater social justice and equality.

Introduction:
Liberal political theory has played a central role in shaping the political landscape of the world for centuries. However, as feminist scholars have pointed out, traditional liberalism often fails to address the concerns of marginalized groups, such as women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. One of the key criticisms leveled against liberalism is its neglect of issues of care, which are essential to human well-being and social justice. Caring for Liberalism seeks to address this gap by exploring how liberal political theory can be modified or transformed to incorporate the concept of care.

Chapter 1:
In the first chapter, the book explores the historical roots of liberalism and its emphasis on individual freedom and autonomy. The authors argue that while liberalism has been instrumental in promoting individual rights and freedoms, it has neglected the importance of care in shaping individuals and society. They suggest that care ethics can provide a framework for understanding the role of care in liberalism and promoting greater social justice.

Chapter 2:
The second chapter examines the concept of dependency in liberal political theory and its implications for social justice. The authors argue that dependency is not a negative thing but rather a natural aspect of human relationships. They suggest that care ethics can help us understand the ways in which dependency can be leveraged to promote social justice and equality.

Chapter 3:
In the third chapter, the book explores the role of care in liberal political theory in addressing issues of gender, race, and ethnicity. The authors argue that care is essential to promoting social justice and equality, particularly for marginalized groups that have historically been excluded from political participation and decision-making. They suggest that care ethics can provide a framework for understanding the ways in which gender, race, and ethnicity intersect with care and promoting greater social equity.

Chapter 4:
The fourth chapter examines the role of care in liberal political theory in addressing issues of social inequality and poverty. The authors argue that care is essential to promoting social mobility and reducing poverty, particularly for marginalized groups that are disproportionately affected by social and economic inequalities. They suggest that care ethics can provide a framework for understanding the ways in which social inequality and poverty are interconnected with care and promoting greater social justice.

Chapter 5:
The fifth chapter explores the role of care in liberal political theory in promoting global justice. The authors argue that care is essential to promoting peace and stability in the world, particularly in the context of international relations. They suggest that care ethics can provide a framework for understanding the ways in which global justice is interconnected with care and promoting greater social harmony.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Caring for Liberalism is a groundbreaking collection of essays that offers a novel approach to understanding the role of care in liberal political theory. By incorporating the concept of care into traditional liberal frameworks, the book provides a framework for promoting greater social justice and equality for all individuals. The contributions of the authors are insightful and thought-provoking, and the book is a must-read for scholars and researchers across a wide range of disciplines.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367651770