Conclusion

Abstract

AbstractThis conclusion briefly summarises the main arguments of the book and emphasises two cautionary messages. The first caution is against an all-or-nothing approach to applying the concept of ontic oppression to race and gender. Whilst it is important and illuminating to note the oppressive nature of some race and gender kinds, it is misleading and counterproductive to frame this as a general claim about race and/or gender as such. The second caution is against an approach to social ontology that aims to vindicate social practices that are conducive to emancipation by showing that such practices align with existing social kinds, thereby committing us to identifying social kinds with contours that support the sorts of social practices that will be effective in reducing oppression. However, given that social kinds can be ontically oppressive, there is no guarantee of our finding any such kinds.