Martha Albertson Fineman's essay, "The Vulnerable Subject: Anchoring Equality in the Human Condition," argues for a more responsive state and a more egalitarian society by focusing on the concept of vulnerability. She contends that vulnerability is universal and constant, inherent in the human condition, and should be central to social policy and law. Fineman critiques the traditional model of formal equality, which is limited in addressing persistent inequalities and social disparities. She proposes a vulnerability approach that focuses on the structures and institutions that manage common vulnerabilities, rather than just discrimination against defined groups. This approach aims to move beyond current discrimination-based models to a more substantive vision of equality. Fineman discusses the limitations of formal equality, highlighting how it fails to address systemic inequalities and social disparities. She argues that the state's role as a repressor of intervention is politically powerful but ineffective in addressing inequality. Instead, she suggests that the state should be more active and responsive to societal vulnerabilities, particularly in ensuring equitable distribution of resources and power. The essay also explores the concept of the "vulnerable subject," which challenges the traditional liberal subject defined by autonomy and independence. The vulnerable subject is a more comprehensive and accurate representation of human experience, encompassing both dependency and vulnerability. Fineman argues that this concept can provide a stronger foundation for social and political theory, as it recognizes the constant possibility of harm and the need for societal support. Fineman further examines the role of societal institutions in mediating and compensating for individual vulnerabilities. She identifies three types of assets—physical, human, and social—that institutions provide to individuals, enhancing their resilience in the face of vulnerability. She argues that these institutions, created and maintained under state authority, should be subject to greater regulation to ensure equitable distribution of assets. Finally, Fineman discusses the assessment and addressing of privilege and disadvantage within systems that confer assets. She emphasizes that privileges and disadvantages accumulate across systems, creating complex webs of advantages and disadvantages. A vulnerability analysis can help interrogate the institutional practices that produce these inequalities and provide a framework for addressing them effectively.Martha Albertson Fineman's essay, "The Vulnerable Subject: Anchoring Equality in the Human Condition," argues for a more responsive state and a more egalitarian society by focusing on the concept of vulnerability. She contends that vulnerability is universal and constant, inherent in the human condition, and should be central to social policy and law. Fineman critiques the traditional model of formal equality, which is limited in addressing persistent inequalities and social disparities. She proposes a vulnerability approach that focuses on the structures and institutions that manage common vulnerabilities, rather than just discrimination against defined groups. This approach aims to move beyond current discrimination-based models to a more substantive vision of equality. Fineman discusses the limitations of formal equality, highlighting how it fails to address systemic inequalities and social disparities. She argues that the state's role as a repressor of intervention is politically powerful but ineffective in addressing inequality. Instead, she suggests that the state should be more active and responsive to societal vulnerabilities, particularly in ensuring equitable distribution of resources and power. The essay also explores the concept of the "vulnerable subject," which challenges the traditional liberal subject defined by autonomy and independence. The vulnerable subject is a more comprehensive and accurate representation of human experience, encompassing both dependency and vulnerability. Fineman argues that this concept can provide a stronger foundation for social and political theory, as it recognizes the constant possibility of harm and the need for societal support. Fineman further examines the role of societal institutions in mediating and compensating for individual vulnerabilities. She identifies three types of assets—physical, human, and social—that institutions provide to individuals, enhancing their resilience in the face of vulnerability. She argues that these institutions, created and maintained under state authority, should be subject to greater regulation to ensure equitable distribution of assets. Finally, Fineman discusses the assessment and addressing of privilege and disadvantage within systems that confer assets. She emphasizes that privileges and disadvantages accumulate across systems, creating complex webs of advantages and disadvantages. A vulnerability analysis can help interrogate the institutional practices that produce these inequalities and provide a framework for addressing them effectively.