Addressing structural wrongs: from moral theory to implementation

In this dissertation, I draw on philosophical and empirical considerations to develop a moral framework for addressing structural wrongs, which exist when the influence of social structures unfairly exposes some groups of people to undeserved burdens. Over the last decade, moral philosophers have proposed a new conception of moral responsibility for structural wrongs, which is a shared responsibility that can only be discharged through collective action by a broad range of participants in the social structure. However, several related issues remain underexplored. On the one hand, what are the moral demands for addressing structural wrongs—that is, what kind of goals should this shared responsibility aim to achieve? On the other hand, how can society implement shared responsibilities in a way that ensures people will take them up? My dissertation engages with the discussions that arise from considerations of these questions. First, using sexual violence as a central case example, I contrast structural wrongs with interactional wrongs (wrongs that are directly inflicted through deviant interpersonal interactions) and discuss how the distinct nature of two types of moral wrongs implies regarding moral responses. Then, regarding the moral demands for addressing structural wrongs, I argue that morality dictates a twofold response to structural wrongs that comprises both reparation (backward-looking) and structural transformation (forward-looking). Finally, drawing on empirical studies in political science, I further argue that a form of political institutions known as deliberative mini-publics—which foster democratic deliberation among an assembly of randomly chosen representatives—offers a valuable opportunity for people to confront their responsibilities and work collectively to address structural wrongs. Overall, by considering the moral demands, responsibilities, and practical measures related to addressing structural wrongs, my proposed framework lays a theoretical foundation with which other domain experts can advance measures that combat structural wrongs and aims to help translate philosophical ideas into real-world practice.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical reference