Summary of Human Rights and the Age of Inequality by Samuel Moyn || Class 12 English Note

Human Rights and the Age of Inequality by Samuel Moyn

Summary

In his article "Human Rights and the Age of Inequality," Samuel Moyn discusses how human rights are insufficient to address the growing issue of global inequality. He argues that the current human rights regime and movement are not designed to effectively combat these inequalities.

The author discusses the idea of human rights and its relation to distributive equality. He uses a parable (story) about a benevolent global ruler named Croesus to illustrate that the provision of basic human rights does not guarantee the absence of inequality. While Croesus provides basic necessities such as food, water, and health care to all, he is also responsible for the massive inequality that exists between him and the rest of the population.

The author argues that the concept of distributive equality is absent from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other legal regimes and social movements that take it as their guide. However, the author also acknowledges that the human rights movement has shifted towards mobilization for economic and social rights, which were promised in the Universal Declaration but failed for a long time.

The article examines the history of human rights and its relation to political economy, particularly the welfare state era after World War II, and how human rights reflected a small part of a larger and universal welfarist consensus that united the capitalist and communist nations at that time.

The article discusses human rights and their relationship with national welfare in the post-World War II era. He argues that human rights were a small part of a larger and universal welfarist consensus that united many nations. This welfarist consensus included socio-economic rights, and its highest promise was not just a floor of protection for the masses. The author argues that the current world order resembles Croesus's world, with its massive inequality and basic human rights, and questions whether we should continue to idealize it.

Distributive equality- making sure everyone has an equal chance to access important things like money, education, healthcare, and other services, no matter where they come from or how much money they have. a floor of protection- a basic level of socio-economic rights that should be guaranteed to all citizens, such as access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment.

Egalitarian aspirations- the desire for a society that is based on the principles of equality and fairness, where every individual has equal opportunities and access to resources regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other personal characteristics.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. What is the first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations?

The first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

b. When is Human Rights Day observed?

Human Rights Day is observed on December 10th each year, which is the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly.

c. What is the goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to provide a list of the most basic entitlements that humans deserve, which includes economic and social rights. It aims to create a utopia where every human being enjoys these fundamental entitlements.

d. What are two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights in relation to that of political economy?

The two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights in relation to that of political economy are the Enlightenment period and the post-World War II period. The Enlightenment period saw the emergence of ideas about the natural rights of individuals, while the post-World War II period saw the establishment of international institutions to protect human rights.

e. What are the facts that have been missed in Roosevelt’s call for a “second Bill of Rights”?

According to the text, the three important facts that have been missed in Roosevelt's call for a "second Bill of Rights" are:

- late and ginger entry of America into a predetermined North Atlantic consensus

- the egalitarian aspirations of welfarism, which aimed for a more equal society than before

- Roosevelt's call for a "second Bill of Rights" was intended to be nationally, rather than internationally, organized

f. Write the truth expressed in Herodotus’s Histories.

The truth expressed in Herodotus’s Histories is that Croesus, a wealthy king, was only brought down by the Persian armies and not by Solon’s shaming of him. (Solon was a wise Athenian lawmaker and poet who visited Croesus.)

g. Why is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights important to you?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is important to me because it recognizes and affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. It establishes a universal standard for the protection of human rights that applies to all nations and peoples, and serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and responsibility to protect and promote these rights for everyone.