What the study found
The article argues that the traditional social democratic ideal of society as a "common possession" has long linked democracy and welfare to membership in a shared society. It also asks whether that ideal can be revised so that it respects the experiences and aspirations of racialized minorities and Indigenous peoples.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say this matters because social democratic politics has historically been both society-making and membership-making, and because many social justice movements have been built on this aspiration. The study suggests that any theory of politics should be able to address contemporary critiques while still recognizing plural experiences of belonging.
What the researchers tested
The article is a conceptual or theoretical discussion rather than an empirical study. The author explores whether the idea of society as a common possession can be redeemed in light of critiques that reject the idea that individuals are members of societies oriented around shared loyalty.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract states that the author examines whether the ideal can be pluralized. It does not report empirical tests, specific evidence, or a final resolved conclusion in the abstract itself.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not describe methods, data, or limitations. It also does not state a definitive outcome beyond the question of whether the ideal can be revised and pluralized.
Key points
- The article revisits the idea that society can be understood as a common possession of its members.
- It links this idea to social democratic politics, democracy, and the welfare state.
- The author asks whether the ideal can be pluralized to better respect racialized minorities and Indigenous peoples.
- The abstract presents the piece as a theoretical exploration, not an empirical study.
- No specific methods, data, or limitations are described in the abstract.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- The article asks whether shared-society membership can be pluralized
- Authors:
- Will Kymlicka
- Institutions:
- Queen's University
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-26
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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