Sociology Sociological Theories: Questions of Term Paper

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True freedom does exist, but Black America has not yet found it.

From Redistribution to Recognition?

In this article by Nancy Fraser, the problem of social inequities is discussed in terms of the definitions that lead to potential solutions. Ms. Fraser spends a considerable amount of time examining the mechanics of race, gender, and sexuality. Rather than see society socialistically in terms of economics, the author singles out these purely cultural constructs as things to be deconstructed in order to achieve fair redistribution and recognition. These categories are identities that are formed primarily through the workings of Eurocentric attitudes, beliefs that themselves must be eliminated by concerted efforts at decentering and also revaluing other groups and sets of beliefs. Two primary approaches present themselves - one affirmative, the other transformative. According to the affirmative, programs are aimed at actively moving wealth to underprivileged groups, while those groups simultaneously preserve their differences. While effecting many worthy goals, this approach can generate resentment among formerly privileged groups. Much better is a transformative process that seeks to deconstruct prior realties. An example of this would be Queer Theory, which seeks to revalue homosexuality by decentering heterocentrism, and bringing to public recognition that sexual identities are fluid and ever-changing. On a racial level, similar programs would devalue thought patterns that accord value to judgments about race, and which construct differences based on race. Further inequities would at last be dissolved through the application of steeply progressive tax systems, and other such ideas that give value to jobs formerly devalued.

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A transformative approach heals society by working toward the inclusion of all by breaking down pre-existing barriers, and quickly eliminating those new ones which might temporarily arise.

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Sadly, much of today's identity politics has dissolved into a struggle for recognition and privileges for a particular, narrow group. African-Americans, women, and gays, for example, often fight for recognition of attributes specific to themselves while ignoring the needs of other groups, and also the potential affect of remedies on those who are not members of the group. Such policies can only work toward greater division.

Struggles for recognition that are based solely on recognition of a particular identity do not necessarily need to sidestep inequalities of wealth and power. The ways in which wealth and power are distributed can be subsumed under identity politics. Different groups may point out where and in what way they have been marginalized or denied, and in which ways their values and identities have been devalued. By stressing the equality and universality of values and identities, by deconstructing traditional notions of rightness and centricity, such groups may find equal standing in wealth and power. Level the distinctions and remove the means and opportunity for oppression, and all will possess equal opportunity.

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