•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Several years ago, I used a case study from South Africa as a lens for examining how power is exercised to maintain subordination, and in turn might be deployed to dismantle it. Using Steven Lukes' conception of power, I identified three dimensions on which lawyering might be a catalyst for progressive social change. On the first dimension is advocacy which seeks to make the positive law more responsive to the social welfare needs of socially disempowered groups. This dimension encompasses three familiar forms of public interest lawyering: litigation to expand welfare entitlements or improve welfare administration; lobbying to increase resources or improve programs: and monitoring the work of administrative agencies to enhance procedural fairness. On the second dimension is advocacy which seeks to transform values in dominant cultures so as to encourage greater sensitivity to the injustices poor people face, greater respect for their life projects, and a clearer will to mobilize public resources on their behalf. On this dimension, the trial or legislative session becomes an educational or theatrical event that is designed to move its audiences to empathize with poor people and form political coalitions with them.

Publication Title

Clinical Law Review

Volume

1

Issue

1

First Page

157

Download

Share

COinS