In our highly globalized and networked society, even our most seemingly local actions can have far-reaching social, political, economic, and environmental consequences. Has this changed our moral and political obligations towards people distant from us in space and time - for instance, to generations who are not yet or no longer living, or towards those beyond the borders of our own nations?

Political Responsibility Refocused explores the theoretical foundations and practical implications of individual and collective responsibility towards those who are spatially or temporally separate from us. These essays offer critical assessments of our political responsibilities on topics such as residential schools, sweatshop labour, climate change, and forms of energy generation. Inspired by the final published writings of political and social theorist Iris Marion Young, specifically her outline of a "social connection model" of political responsibility, the contributors assess whether there are practices, policies, and institutions that could meaningfully address these expanded political responsibilities.

"Iris Marion Young is an important political theorist whose ideas deserve the kind of treatment this edition aims to provide. By focusing on her proposed 'social connection' model of responsibility, this volume attempts to develop one of her last major ideas, bringing it to wider attention and showing its relevance for ongoing debates and concerns in contemporary politics. The essays here are a testimony to the fecundity and potential importance of Young's account of political responsibility." -- Jeffrey Green, Janice and Julian Bers Assistant Professor in the Social Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

About the Author
Genevieve Fuji Johnson is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at Simon Fraser University. Loralea Michaelis is an associate professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Mount Allison University.


Book Information
ISBN 9781442614420
Author Genevieve Fuji Johnson
Format Paperback
Page Count 184
Imprint University of Toronto Press
Publisher University of Toronto Press
Weight(grams) 280g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 152mm * 13mm