Effectiveness of participation parity as a requirement for an equal public sphere

Abstract

Parity of justice is the normative paradigm in Nancy Fraser's theory of justice, which proposes the overcoming of the classical distinction between the spheres of redistribution and recognition, concludind that none of the central spheres, when isolated, can be sufficient for an effective social justice. In this context, the author advocate that the demandas need both: economic remedies as well as cultural-evaluative remedies. Despite the great influence of the concept of public sphere formulated by Habermas on the author's theory, Fraser also exposes criticisms, as she understands that the Harbermasian model does not effect the parity of those involved, insofar as it is not concerned with remedying social inequalities, but only in suspending them in the public environment, failing in evaluating the impacts of this in the deliberation. Another important factor, according to the author, are gender issues, as well as the problematic distinction between public and private, which is one of the current feminist movement demands. Therefore, the present work aims to proceed with an analysis of Habermas’ public sphere in Fraser’s view, which problematizes some assumptions that sustain the liberal model, instigating a reformulation. In order to move towards an alternative and post-bourgeois public sphere conception, the theory aims to guarantee not only the formal and legal authorization for participation, but also the guarantee of the material essential requirements that are required for the parity participation.