I am writing a final paper for my Social and Political Philosophy class. The last essay question asks us to evaluate whether we believe that philosophers rationalize their arguments for the interests of a particular group with which they identify. The author that I am focusing on is Gwendolyn Mink and her arguments against the unfair treatment of single mothers in the welfare system. I am unable to find any background information on Mink. I know she is very well educated on race, class, and gender dynamics of law, social policy, and social movements. I understand that as a woman and a feminist Mink would identify with mothers on welfare. Does Mink have any other experience, as a mother, or welfare recipient that would cause her to identify with the group that she defends? Thank you - Alissa

I agree that Mink is well-versed on issues of race, class, and gender and the law and certainly an advocate for women who are often overlooked or over-scrutinized by society -- that is women of color and poor women. And she can certainly be all of these things without experiencing them. However, I don't think that she has experienced these things herself. Of course, she is a woman of color, so she can certainly speak personally about that. However, from what I know about her, she grew up privileged (economically, academically, and socially). Her mother is a Congresswoman and she is now a professor at University of California at Santa Cruz. And I don't know if she has children. Perhaps you can track her down at the university and ask her directly
—Amy