Challenging diversity - rethinking equality and the value of difference

Davina Cooper addresses major questions currently facing political and social theory, particularly in relation to debates about diversity. These questions concern how we identify the boundaries of legitimate forms of difference, and understand equality and inequality as well as the challenges of sustaining differing progressive practices. Cooper links theoretical discussion to specific conflicts over social and cultural issues, such as religious symbolism, lesbian and gay marriage and cigarette smoking.

Davina Cooper is Professor of Law and Political Theory, School of Law, University of Kent and Director of the AHRB Research Centre in Law, Gender and Sexuality. Her previous publications include Sexing the City: Lesbian and Gay Politics within the Activist State (1994), Power in Struggle: Feminism, Sexuality and the State (1995), Governing Out of Order: Space, Law and the Politics of Belonging (1998).