Responding to the agency dilemma: Autonomy, adaptive preferences, and internalized oppression

Catriona Mackenzie*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    32 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Feminist efforts to theorize the impact of social oppression on autonomy must negotiate what Serene Khader (2011) refers to as the “agency dilemma.” This is the challenge of recognizing and analyzing the vulnerabilities of persons subject to social oppression or deprivation while also acknowledging and respecting their agency. In particular, since the effects of social oppression can run deep and can shape people’s practical identities or self-concepts, responding to the challenge posed by the agency dilemma requires explaining how social oppression can be simultaneously identity constituting yet identity fracturing and agency constituting yet autonomy impairing-at least in certain domains or with respect to certain aspects of agents’ practical identities.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPersonal autonomy and social oppression
    Subtitle of host publicationphilosophical perspectives
    EditorsMarina A. L. Oshana
    Place of PublicationNew York
    PublisherRoutledge, Taylor and Francis Group
    Pages48-67
    Number of pages20
    ISBN (Electronic)9781135036096, 9780203768778, 9781135036102
    ISBN (Print)9780415840132
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Responding to the agency dilemma: Autonomy, adaptive preferences, and internalized oppression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this