NCJ Number
183080
Editor(s)
Richard C. Monk
Date Published
1998
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A sociology professor argues that human rights are both universal and basic for justice, while a humanities professor dismisses human rights as a tool used by western nations to legitimize brutal tactics that maintain their power over weaker nations and regions.
Abstract
The sociologist maintains that human rights are necessary for positive cultural change. Reflecting the economic notion of prerequisites needed for developing societies to pass through stages of growth before they reach a "taking off" point, she points out that democracy and justice, predicated on human rights, are essential components of change. Although the sociologist defends universal values, including specific legal rights, she also concedes that some elements of justice are more important than others. The humanities professor dismisses human rights not only as an imperfect ideal but also as a tool used by the United States at the international level to unfairly attack others and advance its own cause. While focusing primarily on the international level in his discussion of human and legal rights, the humanities professor also reflects an expanded understanding of rights. 10 references