Exploring Concepts And Definitions Of Social Justice

By Shirley Anderson


People often interpret different public and private aspects of local, national and worldwide society differently. In most cases, these interpretations, often known as social justice, are considered to relate to the concept of just and fair practices between individuals and societies. Most often, the definition of which, is based on distribution of wealth, personal activity, social privilege, lifestyle and personal identity.

In current movements, the practice has placed an emphasis on breaking barriers when it comes to economic and racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights and social mobility. In addition, the movements are working to enable the duties and rights with regards to institutional aspects of society so that all individuals can receive the benefits of capitalism and corporatism. In fact, there are now a number of programs, workshops and conferences associated with this type of justice being held at colleges and universities on an annual basis to assure this is the case.

Institutions often include equal employment opportunities, distribution of wealth, labor laws, regulation of markets, public services, public schools, public health centers, social insurance and taxation. In most cases, interpretation of these rights are mediated by different ethical and cultural traditions. Whereas, most all areas emphasize equality between individuals and the use of power in responsible positions.

The term is often one used during historical and philosophical debates and discussions. In most cases, this type of justice focuses on differences in relation to individuals whom are physically and developmentally disabled, gender identity modification, the environment, racial equality, immigration reform and economic status. More recently, non-binary and transgender rights and overall equality of the larger LGBTQ+ community have become part and parcel to the movement.

In most cases, the social aspect of the justice system can be traced back to the theology of Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Paine's belief in philosophical ideologies and theories. Although, the term did not become used explicitly until the late 1700s. Whereas, it went on to be used repeatedly during the 1848 revolutions and on into the twentieth century in which the term gained more popularity.

Recent research has shown that the expression was actually used as early as the Federalist Papers No 7 in the which the term was mentioned in print for the first time. As a result, a number of American scholars in the legal field began using the phrase on a regular basis. Then, later the term became a common occurrence in worldwide educational institutions and law practices around the world.

Towards the end of the industrial revolution, more progressive scholars in America began using the term more frequently. Once the phrase was used to establish the International Labor Organization, it became more well known on a worldwide basis. Then, the term spread rapidly, with different countries and languages providing different definitions, concepts and meanings.

It should be noted that while a Jesuit priest had been recognized as coining the term, the phrase is much older. As such, there is no certainty as to whom the first individual was to use the term. In some cases, it has even been associated with the spirit of Enlightenment, which would make sense, still no one knows for sure. As such, unless researchers can find a text with the phrase which predates 1748, this will most likely remain the case.




About the Author: