1.4: Civil and Political Rights vs. Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
Civil and political rights refer to issues of state sovereignty and individual and group rights of political participation. Economic, social, and cultural rights address the needs people must have fulfilled to live a free and dignified life. Civil and political rights are sometimes treated as more universal and integral to the fulfillment of human rights. At the same time, there is some debate over how governments must act to provide economic, social, and cultural rights. For example, one economic and social right is the right to an education.
In many states, this right is fulfilled through the existence of public schools that residents may attend free of cost. However, schools increasingly rely on the internet to communicate with students and families, and assignments often depend upon internet access for research purposes or to return homework to the teacher. Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 have increased this dependence on the internet for instruction. Does this mean people also have a right to internet access to enjoy their right to education meaningfully? Does that imply the government has a responsibility to provide the internet as a public utility to meet its citizens' right to education?
As you continue through this unit, consider what responsibilities these rights confer upon states. How does your society meet and support these rights, or how does it fall short? How important do you think these rights are to protecting human rights in general?
Read this introduction to economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR). It covers the concept of ESCR, states' responsibilities, and some of the challenges of implementing these rights. Consider how these rights relate to the other dichotomies we have discussed so far. For example, do you think all of these rights are universal, or are some more relative? Do the various rights identified here apply more to individuals or groups?
In recent years, large corporations have become increasingly influential in politics and development. This document discusses how this trend has impacted human rights, in particular ESCR. What obligations does the author identify for corporations versus states? How do you think governments should deal with the challenges to human rights corporations pose? What responsibilities do you think corporations have in protecting human rights?
This article addresses the issue of health and human rights and views the issue through the lens of indigenous peoples. It also addresses some potential limitations of the human rights perspective to address people's need for health adequately. How does this view fit in with what you have learned so far?
Read this article about the intersection of human rights and environmental justice for a deeper dive into the right to health and indigenous peoples' rights.
These dichotomies are one way to understand human rights. As the resource makes clear, an overlap can exist between seemingly different categories of rights, disagreements over the importance of certain rights, and debates over the most effective and meaningful ways to protect and promote these rights. As you review this section, compare your initial ideas about human rights to what you know now. How do you view these dichotomies now that you have more information?