Human rights : theory and measurement /

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Bibliographic Details
Imprint:New York : St. Martin's Press in association with the Policy Studies Organization, 1988.
Description:xii, 258 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
Language:English
Series:Policy Studies Organization series
Policy Studies Organization series (New York, N.Y.)
Subject:Human rights
Civil rights
Civil rights.
Human rights.
Format: Print Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/926472
Hidden Bibliographic Details
Other authors / contributors:Cingranelli, David L.
ISBN:0312016123 : $29.95 (est.)
Notes:Includes bibliographies and index.
Review by Choice Review

These 14 original studies employ the most recent research theories and tools of anthropology, philosophy, economics, and political science. Four chapters draw fascinating contrasts among Western concepts of retribution, women's rights, and affirmative action with those of preindustrial and modernizing societies. The considerable variations among cultures cast doubt on the universality of several key human rights norms and build on the theoretical work in Jack Donnelly's The Concept of Human Rights (CH, Jul '85). A rich selection of country studies and cross-national comparisons reveal the difficulty of measuring compliance with civil and political norms, and the comparative ease of making economic comparisons based on readily available data on life expectancy, infant mortality, and literacy (the Physical Quality of Life Index, or PQLI). Three studies find that economic rather than political or legal factors have the greatest influence on respect for civil rights and the provision of basic needs. Militarization has an unexpectedly mixed effect, with personnel expenditures contributing to economic well-being, which offsets the negative consequences of arms purchases. A valuable and recommended compilation of current research. -H. Tolley Jr., University of Cincinnati

Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review