The "99%" versus Neoliberal Elites?: A Fraserian Analysis of Occupy

Abstract

This is a theoretical research project that focuses on social justice within the American Occupy movement. This thesis reconceives Occupy using Nancy Fraser’s three-dimensional theory of social and global justice. Fraser’s dimensions of justice – economic redistribution, cultural recognition, and political representation – will be used to evaluate whether or not Occupy can achieve meaningful social justice. This project delves deeper into the individualist and populist underpinnings of Occupy, proposes more appropriate alternatives, and applies the findings from the Occupy movement to the larger global justice movement.