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: Paperback / softback
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.

To understand structural injustice, Maeve McKeown delves into a range of case studies, from sweatshops to climate change. Through these examples, she identifies three distinct types of structural injustice:

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

The Avoidable Injustice That Could Be Ameliorated by the Powerful: 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 moral responsibility. Examples 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. This may involve policies that promote inequality, discrimination, or environmental degradation. Examples include the influence of corporate interests on government policies or the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.

In each of these types of structural injustice, the role of power is different, which leads to a different allocation of responsibility. The powerful often wield significant influence over decision-making processes, while ordinary individuals may feel powerless to effect change. However, McKeown argues that ordinary individuals do have the potential 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. This has been seen in recent years with movements such as the #MeToo movement, which has brought attention to sexual harassment and discrimination, and the Black Lives Matter movement, which has highlighted police brutality and systemic racism.

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 dismantling of 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 critical role to play in promoting social and economic equality, protecting the environment, and upholding human rights. This requires a shift in power dynamics, where the voices and needs of ordinary individuals are heard and valued, and where the powerful are held accountable for their actions.

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. Ordinary individuals have the potential to pressure morally responsible, powerful agents to address structural injustice through collective action and social movements, as well as through individual actions and choices. However, the responsibility for addressing structural injustice also lies with the powerful, who must be held accountable for their actions and promote policies that promote social and economic equality, protect the environment, and uphold human rights.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350195783