Vulnerability and the myth of autonomy

Cummins, ID

Abstract

This chapter examines the notions of individualism that are such a key feature of neoliberalism. It outlines the main themes in M. Fineman’s argument and discusses notion of “the vulnerable subject”. The chapter argues that vulnerability is a constant and universal feature of the human condition. There has been a significant rise in the interest in and use of the term “vulnerability”. The use of the term “vulnerability” has its roots in the biological and life sciences. In the 1980s, it was a term that was rarely used. The modern political discourse and framework of human rights has its roots in the response to the atrocities of World War II. Fineman argues vulnerability is universal, constant and deeply rooted in the human condition. The chapter concludes by arguing that Fineman’s work can play a key role in the reinvigoration of societal institutions that focus on the wellbeing of citizens rather than the management of marginalised populations.

Citation

Cummins, I. (2019). Vulnerability and the myth of autonomy. In S. Webb (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of critical social work. London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351264402-30

• Online Publication Date: Jan 3, 2019
• Publication Date: Jan 18, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jun 30, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 18, 2020
• Publisher: Routledge
• Book Title: The Routledge handbook of critical social work
• ISBN: 9781351264402-(ebook);-9781138578432-(print)
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351264402-30
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351264402-30
• Related Public URLs: https://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-Handbook-of-Critical-Social-Work-1st-Edition/Webb/p/book/9781138578432; https://www.routledge.com/
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Chapter originally titled "The myth of vulnerability"; Access Information : This is an Accepted Manuscript of a book chapter published by Routledge in The Routledge handbook of critical social work on 18th January 2019, available online: http://www.routledge.com/The-Routledge-Handbook-of-Critical-Social-Work-1st-Edition/Webb/p/book/9781138578432