social justice | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Ethics

Social justice refers to the idea of a fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within society, with a focus on addressing inequalities and promoting human rights.


Social justice is a broad and complex concept that is central to many fields, including politics, philosophy, and sociology. At its core, social justice is concerned with creating a more equitable and just society by addressing the root causes of inequalities and promoting human rights.

One key aspect of social justice is the idea of distributive justice, which refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. This may involve addressing inequalities in areas such as income, education, healthcare, and housing and ensuring that all individuals have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Another important aspect of social justice is the concept of procedural justice, which refers to the fairness and transparency of social and legal processes. This may involve ensuring that all individuals are treated equally before the law and that legal processes are transparent, accessible, and accountable.

Social justice is also closely tied to the idea of human rights, which are fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, or other characteristics. These rights may include things like the right to life, liberty, and security, the right to education, healthcare, and housing, and the right to freedom of expression and association.

Interventions based on social justice principles may take a variety of forms, depending on the specific context and goals of the intervention. These may include policy changes, advocacy and activism, community organizing, and education and awareness-raising.

Overall, social justice is a complex and multifaceted concept that is concerned with creating a more equitable and just society. By addressing inequalities and promoting human rights, interventions based on social justice principles seek to create a world in which all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.


Learn More

On This Site


[ Glossary ]

Last Modified: 03/14/2023

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.