Human Rights through the Lens of World Polity Theory

• In Event: 097 - Section on Human Rights Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 07. Rights, Constitution, and World Polity

Abstract

This paper uses World Polity to explain the convergence of approval for human rights. World Polity theory argues that modern societies are becoming more alike forming a world culture. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence on the process in which societies are becoming more alike in their attitudes of human rights by using the number of inter-governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and total organizations. Preliminary findings indicate that the number of inter-governmental organizations have a small, but significant positive effect on individuals’ attitudes about human rights. These findings may suggest that inter-governmental organizations may be more effective at disseminating information on human rights and normalizing approval of human rights.

Author

• Jennifer Ann Cheek, Mississippi State University