G2. Second Generation Rights (Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights)
The Second Generation Rights are concerned with ensuring that individuals have the means to meet their basic needs and fully participate in the life of their community. They require positive action and resources from the state to be realized.
Second-generation rights gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly in the wake of World War I and the Russian Revolution, which highlighted the importance of social welfare and economic stability. They were further recognized after World War II in response to the social and economic rebuilding needs. These rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966).
Examples include the right to education; right to health care; right to work and fair wages; right to adequate housing; and the right to social security.
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Last Updated: February 28, 2025
Research Assistant: Aadith Muthukumar
Contributor: Thy Duong
Reviewer: To Be Determined
Editor: Dirk Brand
Subject: Ethics
Recommended Citation: "Generation 2, Edition 1.0 Research." In AI & Human Rights Index, edited by Nathan C. Walker, Dirk Brand, Caitlin Corrigan, Georgina Curto Rex, Alexander Kriebitz, John Maldonado, Kanshukan Rajaratnam, and Tanya de Villiers-Botha. New York: All Tech is Human; Camden, NJ: AI Ethics Lab at Rutgers University, 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://aiethicslab.rutgers.edu/glossary/g2/.
