ABSTRACT
The concept of recognition is becoming an increasingly important component within contemporary critical theory. Fuelled by the work of Axel Honneth, recognition theory offers a powerful means for diagnosing social problems, understanding and justifying social struggles, and identifying the direction of societal change. However, despite the evident promise of recognition theory, there are important problems to be addressed. In particular, a number of theorists have highlighted the ways in which recognition is intertwined with the issues of power and social regulation. Despite the evident promise of recognition theory for understanding justice and social struggles, a number of theorists have argued that both Honneth and Taylor offer inadequate accounts of power that limits the effectiveness of their respective models. Both Taylor and Honneth reveal the promise of recognition for analysing and justifying social struggles, as well as identifying key conditions for the successful development of a positive identity and self-relation.
