ABSTRACT
There are many different critical approaches to the state’s encounter with the citizen. Certain social scientists have focused on generating greater respect for cultural diversity in an era of multiculturalism and fragmentation (Isin & Turner 2002, Young 1990), others advocate greater recognition of the individual in user-oriented social services (Juul 2009) while other factions reflect upon how universal welfare principles can be maintained under post-modern conditions (Fraser 1997). Despite their differences, what these approaches have in common is that they are based on certain ideals against which practice, including the encounter between the state and its citizen, is weighed. These theories offer a “normative critique” that often leads to social practices and institutions being considered inadequate in relation to the ideal. The strength of this kind of critique is its foundation in normative ideals that provide the critic with a clear direction and specify certain model solutions.
