Overcoming Domination: Gaining Influence through Strategic Conflict

Overcoming Domination: Gaining Influence through Strategic Conflict Public Deposited

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Creator

Moore, Kathrine
- Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Political Science

Abstract

My essay will consider what actions can be taken to combat the domination faced by Black citizens living in poverty. I will argue against the decision made by many political theorists to write unbiased citizens into their ideal theories of justice, and will suggest that moving toward a society with enhanced freedom requires a recognition that biased citizens make political decisions. For this reason, the second part of my essay will evaluate alternative approaches that have been taken by Blacks living in poverty to combat the power of their oppressors. I will suggest that this group of citizens might benefit from carefully navigating the tension between divergent collective action approaches. Doing so should give the group a greater chance of being able to keep its autonomy, keep the sympathy of bystanders, and gain the insider influence necessary for impacting the policymaking process.

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