With Power Comes Responsibility: The Politics of Structural Injustice

Maeve McKeown argues that power and responsibility are fundamentally intertwined in the world today, with three types of structural injustice: the pure and unintended accumulation of disparate activities, the avoidable injustice that could be ameliorated by the powerful, and the deliberate perpetuation of structural processes that benefit powerful political and economic agents. She suggests that ordinary individuals can pressure morally responsible, powerful agents to address structural injustice through collective action and political engagement. This is a fundamental reassessment of the relationship between power, ordinary people, and responsibility for structural injustice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Structural injustice is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond the simple notion of unintended consequences and blameless participation. It encompasses the ways in which power and responsibility are intertwined in today's world, and it challenges the widely accepted narrative of powerlessness and helplessness.

According to Maeve McKeown, there are three primary types of structural injustice:

The Pure and Unintended Accumulation of Disparate Activities: This type of injustice occurs when disparate activities, such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and social exclusion, accumulate over time without any deliberate intention or action. The powerful often benefit from this accumulation, while ordinary individuals and communities bear the brunt of the consequences.

The Avoidable Injustice that Could Be Ameliorated by the Powerful but Nevertheless Continues: This type of injustice arises when the powerful have the ability to address issues that contribute to structural injustice, but choose not to do so. This may be due to political interests, economic considerations, or a lack of political will. Examples of this include the failure to address climate change or the exploitation of workers in sweatshops.

The Deliberate Perpetuation of Structural Processes that Benefit Powerful Political and Economic Agents: This type of injustice occurs when powerful political and economic agents deliberately perpetuate structural processes that benefit them at the expense of ordinary individuals and communities. This may involve policies that promote inequality, discrimination, or the concentration of wealth. Examples of this include the influence of lobbyists on government policy or the dominance of multinational corporations in the global economy.

In each of these types of structural injustice, the role of power is different, which changes the allocation of responsibility. The powerful often wield significant influence over decision-making processes, while ordinary individuals and communities may feel powerless to effect change. However, McKeown argues that ordinary individuals do have the ability to pressure morally responsible, powerful agents to address structural injustice.

One way to do this is through collective action and social movements. By organizing and mobilizing people around shared concerns, ordinary individuals can exert pressure on governments, corporations, and other powerful actors to take action to address structural injustice. This can involve protests, boycotts, lobbying campaigns, and other forms of activism.

Another way to address structural injustice is through individual actions and choices. By living ethically and responsibly, by supporting social and environmental causes, and by advocating for policies that promote equality and justice, ordinary individuals can contribute to the broader fight against structural injustice.

However, it is important to recognize that the responsibility for addressing structural injustice does not fall solely on the shoulders of ordinary individuals. The powerful also have a responsibility to act in the interests of society as a whole, rather than just their own interests. This may involve implementing policies that promote social and economic equality, investing in sustainable development, and addressing the root causes of structural injustice, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

In conclusion, structural injustice is a complex and multifaceted concept that requires a fundamental reassessment of the relationship between power, ordinary people, and responsibility. By understanding the different types of structural injustice and the role of power in perpetuating them, we can develop a deeper understanding of how to address them and work towards a more just and equitable world. Ordinary individuals do have the ability to pressure morally responsible, powerful agents to address structural injustice, but it is also important to recognize that the responsibility for addressing structural injustice does not fall solely on the shoulders of ordinary individuals. The powerful also have a responsibility to act in the interests of society as a whole, and to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 397g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350195776