Justice and Vulnerability in Europe: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Edited by Trudie Knijn, Emeritus Professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, and Dorota Lepianka, Senior Researcher, Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
‘Justice is often thought of as a theoretical concern of philosophers and social theorists. This book vitalizes discussions about justice and makes them accessible to a broader audience in a truly inspiring way. Impressive and convincing, it brings philosophers together with legal scholars and sociologists to discuss the realities and injustices in a Europe and EU formed by different welfare regimes and austerity policies. It invites us to reflect on whether we can think of a European theory of justice taking into account its historical, cultural and institutional legacy – and its diversity. It’s a fantastic book, a “must read” for scholars – and students – interested in justice, Europe and the EU, marginalization, discrimination, care and recognition.’
– Hanne Marlene Dahl, Roskilde University, Denmark
Justice and Vulnerability in Europe contributes to the understanding of justice in Europe from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. It shows that Europe is falling short of its ideals and justice-related ambitions by repeatedly failing its most vulnerable populations. Interdisciplinary and expert contributors search for the explanations behind these failing ambitions through analysis of institutional discourse, legal debate and practice and the daily experiences of vulnerable populations, such as those dependent on social care and welfare. By setting tentative criteria for justice as ‘participatory parity’, in line with the insights of the political philosopher Nancy Fraser, the book challenges European policy makers to re-define redistributive, recognitive and representative justice.
Original and incisive, Justice and Vulnerability in Europe is an invaluable resource for policy makers at European, national and local levels. It is also highly relevant to scholars and students of public and social policy, social justice, politics and law.