Inequality, Vulnerability, and Non-Discrimination: Examination in The International Journal of Human Rights
In a scholarly publication recently published in The International Journal of Human Rights, four distinct approaches to understanding vulnerability, inequality, and discrimination in the context of human rights are presented. The review article, titled "The concept of vulnerability and its relation to the concepts of inequality and discrimination," delves into the 'better concept approach', the 'inequality causes vulnerability approach', the 'problematic concept approach', and the 'prioritisation approach'.
The article, based on a comprehensive literature review, presents four strands of argument, each offering a unique perspective on the complexities of these issues. The review is significant as it highlights the dynamic condition of vulnerability, closely linked to structural inequalities and discrimination, and its impact on marginalized groups' exposure to harm and barriers to rights and services.
The intersection of vulnerability with inequality and discrimination is another key theme addressed in the article. It shows how systemic social, economic, and political factors create or exacerbate vulnerability. The importance of recognizing vulnerability beyond individual characteristics to include social structures and institutional practices that perpetuate exclusion and discrimination is also emphasized.
The review calls for human rights frameworks and policies to address vulnerability by tackling underlying inequalities and discriminatory practices to ensure equitable protection and access to rights. This aligns with broader human rights scholarship that views vulnerability as both a condition and a conceptual tool to understand and rectify inequality and discrimination, especially in marginalized populations.
The article is a valuable addition to the ongoing discourse on human rights, offering a comprehensive review of the literature on specific approaches related to human rights. Being open-access, it is accessible to all, fostering a wider understanding and discussion on the topic.
- The review article reinforces the significance of considering mental health and wellness in the context of science, as it underscores the impact of systemic factors on vulnerability, a critical issue for marginalized groups.
- Embracing a holistic approach to human rights, the article advocates for the integration of health and wellness, including mental health, into scientific discussions, acknowledging their interconnectedness with vulnerability, inequality, and discrimination.
