Vulnerability, equality and the human condition: Martha A. Fineman

The concept of ‘vulnerability’ provides a powerful base for arguments that the state must be more responsive to the needs of those within its purview. I posit vulnerability as a universal and ever-present aspect of the human condition. Human beings – as embodied creatures – are all, always vulnerable. A key aspect of this state of vulnerability is related to the ever-present possibility of finding ourselves physically or otherwise dependent on others for care and support.1