Martha Albertson Fineman argues that vulnerability is a universal and constant aspect of the human condition, essential for redefining equality and state responsibility. She critiques the traditional model of formal equality, which focuses on discrimination and sameness of treatment, as inadequate for addressing persistent inequalities. Instead, she proposes a "vulnerability approach" that emphasizes the state's role in managing shared vulnerabilities and ensuring equitable outcomes. This approach challenges the liberal subject, which assumes individuals are autonomous and self-sufficient, and instead highlights the vulnerable subject, who is dependent on societal institutions for support. Vulnerability analysis considers both individual and institutional factors, recognizing that systemic inequalities are perpetuated by societal structures. The state, as the primary institution, must be more responsive to these vulnerabilities, ensuring that institutions provide fair access to resources and opportunities. The vulnerability thesis also critiques the idea of state restraint, arguing that non-intervention allows inequalities to persist. By focusing on shared vulnerabilities, the state can better address systemic inequalities and promote a more just society. This approach emphasizes the need for a more active state that recognizes and addresses the structural and institutional factors contributing to disadvantage. The vulnerability framework offers a more comprehensive understanding of equality, moving beyond identity-based models to consider the broader social and economic conditions that shape individuals' experiences. Ultimately, the vulnerable subject approach calls for a reimagining of the state's role in ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive despite their vulnerabilities.Martha Albertson Fineman argues that vulnerability is a universal and constant aspect of the human condition, essential for redefining equality and state responsibility. She critiques the traditional model of formal equality, which focuses on discrimination and sameness of treatment, as inadequate for addressing persistent inequalities. Instead, she proposes a "vulnerability approach" that emphasizes the state's role in managing shared vulnerabilities and ensuring equitable outcomes. This approach challenges the liberal subject, which assumes individuals are autonomous and self-sufficient, and instead highlights the vulnerable subject, who is dependent on societal institutions for support. Vulnerability analysis considers both individual and institutional factors, recognizing that systemic inequalities are perpetuated by societal structures. The state, as the primary institution, must be more responsive to these vulnerabilities, ensuring that institutions provide fair access to resources and opportunities. The vulnerability thesis also critiques the idea of state restraint, arguing that non-intervention allows inequalities to persist. By focusing on shared vulnerabilities, the state can better address systemic inequalities and promote a more just society. This approach emphasizes the need for a more active state that recognizes and addresses the structural and institutional factors contributing to disadvantage. The vulnerability framework offers a more comprehensive understanding of equality, moving beyond identity-based models to consider the broader social and economic conditions that shape individuals' experiences. Ultimately, the vulnerable subject approach calls for a reimagining of the state's role in ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive despite their vulnerabilities.