Iris Marion Young: Gender, Justice, and the Politics of Difference

Iris Marion Young was a political theorist who significantly impacted democratic theory, feminist theory, and justice. She bridged divides among political theorists, engaging in Continental and critical theory, and insisted on the importance of normative argument. This volume spans her work, illustrating her intellectual development over time through three major areas of innovation: gender, justice, and the politics of difference.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Iris Marion Young, a prominent and groundbreaking political theorist of her generation, left an indelible mark on a diverse array of subjects, including democratic theory, feminist theory, and justice. Her profound influence extended across numerous fields, bridging longstanding divides among political theorists. Young's engagement with Continental and critical theory was complemented by her unwavering emphasis on normative argument, resulting in a corpus that stands as a testament to the fruitful interplay between abstract theory and the real-world complexities of everyday politics. Spanning the entirety of her distinguished career, this volume showcases Young's intellectual evolution over time through three major areas of innovation:

Gender: Young's groundbreaking work on gender challenged conventional notions by asserting that gender holds both conceptual and political significance. She theorized gender in terms of complex structures that, when combined, position individuals differently, creating distinct categories of women. While some women share certain structures, it is important to recognize that not all women possess the same gendered characteristics.

Justice: Young's early writings on a critical theory of justice evolved and matured in her later and posthumously published works. She developed a comprehensive account of justice that seamlessly integrated her theorization of structure with her commitment to addressing contemporary claims of injustice. By combining her insights into structure with her empathy for marginalized experiences, Young offered a novel perspective on justice that transcended universal and abstract notions.

The Politics of Difference: Young rejected the notion of universal and abstract theories of justice in favor of a more nuanced approach. She maintained that justice required a deep understanding and attention to the unique experiences of individuals marked by difference. Young's perspective emphasized the importance of recognizing and valuing the diversity of human experiences, recognizing that justice cannot be achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach.

This volume is a valuable resource for scholars and students engaged in the fields of critical and political theory, feminist theory, international law, and public diplomacy. It provides a comprehensive exploration of Young's intellectual contributions, shedding light on her profound insights and their enduring relevance in contemporary discourse. Through her innovative thinking and unwavering commitment to social justice, Iris Marion Young continues to inspire and influence generations of scholars and activists.

Weight: 599g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367085643