Justice and The Politics of Difference

How does the division of labor serve as a source of injustice? What consequences would follow from Young’s recommendations to democratize the workforce?

What are the most common forms that racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression take in the late 20th-century US? Why do these forms challenge political theorists?

Why does Young consider neutrality to be an impossibility? What does it disguise? Evaluate her argument and assess its consequences.

Compare and contrast the assimilationist ideal with democratic cultural pluralism. Why does Young reject the former in favor of the latter? Does she answer sufficiently the concerns of advocates of assimilation?

How do the prejudices of the 19th century, specifically as developed in the sciences, continue to exert influence in the late 20th century? How can we confront those prejudices?

Why does Young find affirmative action an inadequate response to injustice? How does she criticize its underlying assumptions? Does she think that the policy has any use?

What conditions does Young place on the exercise of individual rights? Do these limitations balance freedom and democracy fairly? Why or why not?

Why does Young reject local forms of democracy in favor of regional governance? Would regional forms avoid the problems that she identifies for local governments?