ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the connections between what are broadly defined as cultural issues and those that are seen as economic, and argues that a socialist conception of justice must take account of differences other than those of class. It focuses on a range of issues that might broadly be subsumed under the heading of the production of difference in the economic sphere. The material changes that are part of the re-evaluation of how economic processes are defined and explained are too well known to need labouring. Nancy Fraser's aim is to address ways of resolving the unhelpful rhetorical slanging match between the 'economy, stupid' and 'culture, stupid' positions. Taking the cultural differences as the example, affirmation lies behind contemporary multiculturalism whereas transformation would mean altering everyone's sense of self. The cultural politics of recognizing difference has inflamed the sensibilities of groups who feel their rights are being trampled on: white men being the prime example.
