Rights, Groups, and Self-invention Group-differentiated Rights in Liberal Theory

This volume describes and critically assesses the group-differentiated form of 'right' from within analytical, constitutive and liberal theory. The book further examines to what extent the group-differentiated form of right serves to constitute aspects of human identity and whether this should be a cause for concern. The more detailed normative work advanced in the book contextually applies the constitutive understanding of rights, and the principles of liberal membership to particular examples of group-differentiated citizenship. Such examples range from slavery and alienage, to more affirmative classifications, such as those apparent in the contexts of civil unions and affirmative action.