Recognition or redistribution friend or foe for queers?

Since ever i can remember the notion of "economic growth" has generally been seen the most desirable outcome for society, at least in the language that is used by economic reporters and politicians. However, the growth of the economy and the spread of prosperity in some quarters have increasingly been seen as problematic rather than positive. By defending economic growth, by highlighting the gains it has brought to humanity in terms of material wealth, technological progress, increased life expectancy and personal consumption, does this foreclose or enhance what others see as contributing to an individualist greedy culture, which damages relationships with each other and with the environment. Does money foster happiness or unhappiness? Does a societies economic growth lessen or widen inequalities and with whom? Do queers have a better life when the going is good, do women have a better life when the going is good, do ethnic minorities have a good life when the going is good? The questions posed, I believe must be as much philosophical as it is material and would look to the debate of recognition and redistribution for the answers:
Fraser, N. (1997). Heterosexism, Misrecognition, and Capitalism: A Response to Judith Butler. Social Texts, 52/53, 279-289
Fraser, N. (2003). Rethinking recognition: overcoming displacement and reification in cultural politics. In B. Hobson (Ed.), Recognition Struggles and Social Movements: Contested Identities, Agency and Power (pp. 21-32). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Honneth, A. (1995). The struggle for recognition: the moral grammar of social conflicts (J. Anderson, Trans.). Cambridge: Polity Press.
Honneth, A. (2001). Recognition or Redistribution: Changing Perspectives on the Moral Order of Society. Theory, Culture & Society, 18(2-3), 43-55.
McNay, L. (2008). Against Recognition. Cambridge: Polity Press.


You may wish to contribute to this debate in Leeds, UK @

Is Unfettered Growth Possible or Desirable?

This event is planned to start at 6:30 pm on Nov 15, 2010 at The Carriageworks (The Millennium Room)