Re-Evaluating Burton’s Human Needs Approach from Critical Theory Perspectives

Authors

Gavin John Bradshaw
Casper Lötter

Abstract

An initial response to the thought-provoking critique of John Burton’s conflict resolution approach by Laureen Park (2010), became a substantive re-evaluation of Burton’s Human Needs approach. Her critique is based on the idea that Burton’s basic human needs approach is ‘biological’, and overly deterministic, and therefore to be rejected out of hand. We defend Burton’s position, using the ideas of the very Critical Theory/psychoanalysis and poststructuralist perspectives that she also uses, and point out that Burton’s thinking is ultimately not entirely at odds with the central tenets of the first, second and third generation Critical Theory scholars such as Horkheimer, Habermas and Žižek, respectively. It is important for the conflict resolution field that Burton’s perspective on basic human needs continues to be explored and further elaborated.

Recommended Citation

Bradshaw, Gavin John and Lötter, Casper (2019) "Re-Evaluating Burton’s Human Needs Approach from Critical Theory Perspectives," International Journal of Peace Studies: Vol. 24: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/ijps/vol24/iss1/6