The Complexity of Human Rights: From Vernacularization to Quantification

This book evaluates Sally Engle Merry's contributions to human rights law from a human rights law perspective, highlighting the importance of recognizing the complexity and diversity of human rights and avoiding over-simplification.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the groundbreaking contributions of the esteemed legal anthropologist, Sally Engle Merry, from a human rights law perspective. It delves into the profound impact of over-simplification on human rights debates, highlighting the tendency to present them as a singular, universal, and immutable concept, which inadvertently undermines their complexity and strength. Merry and her colleagues revolutionized human rights thinking by emphasizing the inherent reliance on translation and interpretation in the discourse of rights. They also cautioned against excessive reliance on statistical and other indicators through the process of quantification, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced and contextual understanding of human rights issues.

In this comprehensive assessment, esteemed scholars and experts in the field examine the significance of Merry's contributions. They explore how her work has challenged traditional notions of human rights, expanded the scope of legal analysis, and contributed to the development of more inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to human rights protection.

One of the key insights offered by Merry is the recognition that human rights are not static or universal but are shaped by the specific cultural, social, and political contexts in which they are invoked. She argues that the process of vernacularization, where rights discourse is inevitably dependent on translation and interpretation, is essential to understanding the diverse experiences and perspectives of individuals and communities. This perspective challenges the notion of a universal human rights framework that may overlook the nuances and complexities of different cultures and societies.

Merry's work also highlights the dangers of excessive reliance on statistical and other indicators of human rights performance. She cautions against the tendency to measure human rights solely through quantitative metrics, which can oversimplify complex issues and overlook the qualitative dimensions of human rights violations. Instead, she advocates for a more holistic and nuanced approach that takes into account the diverse experiences and perspectives of individuals and communities.

The contributors to this book offer diverse perspectives and insights into the significance of Merry's contributions. They explore how her work has influenced legal theory, practice, and policy, and how it has contributed to the development of more effective and inclusive human rights mechanisms. They also discuss the challenges and limitations of Merry's approach, and how it can be further developed and applied in different contexts.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable and comprehensive examination of the landmark contributions of Sally Engle Merry to human rights law. It highlights the importance of recognizing the complexity and diversity of human rights, and the need for a more nuanced and contextual approach to their protection. Merry's work has challenged traditional notions of human rights, expanded the scope of legal analysis, and contributed to the development of more inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to human rights protection. The contributions of the scholars and experts in this book further enhance our understanding of Merry's legacy and its potential to shape the future of human rights discourse and practice.

Weight: 525g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509972869