On Sources of Structural Injustice: A Feminist Reading of the Theory of Iris M. Young

Abstract

On Sources of Structural Injustice: A Feminist Reading of the Theory of Iris M. YoungThe author focuses on a critical theory of justice and democracy by Iris Marion Young. Young's normative approach to justice and the institutional framework of inclusive democracy develops out of her critique of injustice. In the first section the author explains Young's approach to structural injustice, which she conceptualizes in terms of domination and oppression. In the second part the author elucidates Young's concept of the politics of difference and inclusive democracy. In this context Young differentiates between social and cultural groups; this enables her to take into consideration the political significance of group differences. The author goes on to present Young's critical theory of gender based on the notion of women as a social structural group. Young argues that gender refers to social structures that shape relations of subordination and oppression rather than to identity. In the final part the author discusses the application of Young's concept of structural injustice at a transnational level. Finally, she concludes with an outline for a feminist reading of the concept of structural injustice in a transnational context.

The Urban Data Justice Case Study Collection

“…To investigate access to justice through data we turn to the work of Iris Marion Young (1990Young ( , 2006; specifically her conceptualization of structural injustice and how it can be challenged. Young defines social justice as "the elimination of institutionalized domination and oppression" (1990, p 15); where domination and oppression refer to institutional constraints that prevent individuals from developing their capacities, expressing their needs, thoughts and feelings, and participating in discussions related to decisions that directly or indirectly influence their lives (Young, 1990;Uhde, 2010). This conception of injustice and oppression is structural.…”

“…(Young, 2006, p 114) To determine if a social group is oppressed, Young describes five forms of oppression, from which we draw three: exploitation, marginalization and powerlessness (see Table 1) 62 . These concepts are grouped into a sub-category of injustices that lead to the work and social contribution of individuals not being recognized in society (Uhde, 2010). These concepts are useful to understand if those who participated in the data collection process led by TECHO-Perú perceive datafication as a process that sustains or challenges former or current experiences of oppression.…”