Group Rights: Perspectives Since 1900

The idea of unitary states has been greatly eroded by the rise of group consciousness in the twentieth century. Consequently it has been argued that groups, as well as individuals, are subjects of 'rights'. The articles in this book illustrate the different kinds of groups which have been accorded rights, the various threats to which the doctrine of group rights has been a response, and the reservations which its protagonists have elicited. The authors include F. W. Maitland, G. D. H. Cole, Ernest Barker, Michael Oakeshott, F. A. Hayek, and contemporary political thinkers. An introduction sets the concern of these writers in historical context.