Human Rights in Cross-Cultural Perspectives

A Quest for Consensus

Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Pennsylvania Press

Published:1st Mar '95

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Human Rights in Cross-Cultural Perspectives cover

This book examines human rights through various cultural lenses, encouraging a broader understanding and critical analysis of prevailing theories in Human Rights in Cross-Cultural Perspectives.

In Human Rights in Cross-Cultural Perspectives, the author, Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im, explores the complex and multifaceted nature of human rights across different cultures. The book brings together various contributors who provide unique insights into how cultural backgrounds shape the understanding and interpretation of human rights. Through their diverse perspectives, they illuminate the often contentious and debated issues surrounding human rights violations that occur globally. This exploration aims to challenge the dominant narratives that may overlook or misinterpret the cultural contexts in which these violations occur.

The contributors argue that the universal reaction to human rights violations, characterized by horror and sadness, is often influenced by cultural biases. By examining human rights through a cross-cultural lens, the book encourages readers to consider alternative viewpoints that may enrich our understanding of these issues. It raises critical questions about the universality of human rights and the importance of acknowledging indigenous perspectives in the discourse.

Ultimately, Human Rights in Cross-Cultural Perspectives seeks to reinterpret and reconstruct existing theories of human rights by integrating diverse cultural insights. This approach not only broadens the conversation around human rights but also advocates for a more inclusive framework that respects and values different cultural interpretations of justice and dignity.

"The contributors have done an outstanding job of illuminating complex problems, offering thoroughly researched, probing analyses and expositions that are both well written and extensively documented. The book contains excellent case studies that examine the coexistence and clashes of different cultures as they impinge on human rights issues, as well as thoughtful critiques of philosophical position. . . . This is a work that can be recommended highly, both to those pursuing the study of cross-cultural validity of rights and to persons with more general interests." * Human Rights Quarterly *
"Eloquent explorations of the charge that human rights advocacy is but thinly disguised cultural imperialism." * American Political Science Review *
"A valuable addition to an important blossoming of literature on this topic." * American Journal of International Law *
"All the contributions are interesting and, from their own different perspectives, throw light on the different aspects of the vexed question of human rights." * Political Studies *

ISBN: 9780812215687

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

488 pages