The Paradox of Hierarchy - or Why We Always Choose the Tools of the Master's House

15 Pages Posted: 11 Jun 2007

Abstract

Engaging in the challenges posed by the symposium, "Teaching From the Left," I identify a seeming constant in law and society: the chronic reinstatement of the status quo. In our efforts to teach, whether in the classroom or through scholarship, we are often faced with teaching that which creates the status quo even in our efforts to change it. The paradox of hierarchy is that we reaffirm the structures of hierarchy in our efforts to move past them. This short essay discusses the nature of hierarchy using poignant examples drawn from the abortion debates and the history of education.

JEL Classification: I18, I28

Suggested Citation

Fenton, Zanita E., The Paradox of Hierarchy - or Why We Always Choose the Tools of the Master's House. New York University Review of Law & Social Change, Vol. 31, 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=982675

Zanita E. Fenton (Contact Author)

University of Miami ( email )

Coral Gables, FL 33124

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