Class Actions as a Bridge Between Cultures of Dignity and Victimhood

AuthorShaun Finn
Pages3-20
3
CLASS ACTIONS AS A BRIDGE
BETWEEN CULTURES OF
DIGNITY AND VICTIMHOOD
Shaun Finn
Abstract: Sociologists believe that there is a tran sformation
currently ta king place in the West from a culture of dignit y to a
culture of victim hood. Rather than relying on rea soned debate
to resolve important differences, there is a grow ing tendency
to complain about, publicize, and punish minor, sometimes
subjective, offences (called “microaggre ssions”). This article
argues that class actions have become a prevalent form of liti-
gation in Canada preci sely because they have character istics of
both dignity and victim culture. This duality helps to expla in
why it is likely that cla ss actions will play an ever-expanding
role as an instrument of compensatory and “social” justice.

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT