Social Justice. Social Values, International Human Relations, Institutions And Social Justice - Essay Example

? Social Justice This paper aims to define Social Justice with the help of different theories, perspectives and policies. Social justice has immensely increased due to criminal and unethical activities throughout the globe. The discussion is built with the help of contribution made by significant philosophers of the history in regard to social justice. In addition to this socialist and feminist perspectives are also explained. What is Social Justice? Economic and political policies often use the terms ‘social justice’ with different associated meanings. The meaning of social justice emphases upon the fact that disadvantaged groups of the society must be treated on equivalent basis i.e. there should be an equal distribution of resources and goods among all communities. The second meaning has a deep relationship with the rights of the disadvantaged groups of society. However, more meanings can also be related to social justice but these are most acceptable among politicians and economists (Bankston, 2010). There are numerous theories discussing social justice in regard to different perspectives. Following are the two basic theoretical perspectives of social justice: Social Values, institutions and Social Justice In this respect social justice refers to the establishment of a just and fair rule so that every individual is able to avail the basic needs of life such as biological needs, safety, health, education etc. This ultimately leads to the disclosure of innate human capabilities. People begin to explore new opportunities around them hence leading to overall economic development (Gil, 2009). International Human Relations and Social Justice This indicates the development and sustainable lifestyle of all the societies and communities existing in the world. Therefore as per the requirements of international human relations, social justice is the establishment of preferable living conditions throughout the globe. In order to achieve this level of justice economists and politicians are required to share resources, goods, knowledge and services (Gil, 2009). Contribution of Philosophers, Sociologists and Political Scientists There are many theories and publications that emphasize upon the extensive contribution of philosophers in the field of social justice. The data and facts represented by these philosophers play a substantial role in defining the role of social justice to avail global peace and prosperity (Ayelet Banai, 2011). One of the most acknowledged philosophers in history is Karl Marx who contributed a lot in the early development of social justice. He withdrew from the old concept of social justice and formed entirely new theories. For instance, Marxism, communism, socialism, etc. (Loberfeld, 2004). McLachlan is yet another contributor of social justice from recent times. He defines it as a virtue rather than an amazing value or fairness. Virtue is a divine action which is done to gain the pleasure of Creator. McLachlan has associated the act of justice to divine acts such as virtue (McLachlan, 2005). Political scientists present the idea of social justice as the prevalence of truth and fairness through the contribution of government and political institutions. They argue that social justice cannot be maintained without the participation of politics since justice is a fundamental human right and politicians aim to fulfill these rights (John Rawls, 2001). Socialist perspectives With the commencement of 20th century, Socialist Movement also started with the main focus of removing capitalism and establishing social justice. Their primary concern was to eliminate inequality so that every individual of a society can have an equivalent opportunity of excelling in life in addition to improving the lifestyle of people, particularly their attitude and reactions to certain situations. The socialist perspective in relation with social justice worked for building coalition on the international level and transferred the money flow from rich to the poor so that there can be harmony in overall financial system and utilization of resources. Socialist perspective explains the importance of social justice and the way it has proven beneficial so as to improve the overall social status of people (Where We Stand: Building the Next Left, 2013). Feminist perspectives A social feminist perspective actually represents the historical feminist movement which was initiated in order to extend maximum support to the female gender which was greatly lacking behind in those days. Social justice, in regard of feminist perspectives has been quite debatable since the last few years because females have been facing discrimination on the basis of color, sex and race ever since the beginning of this world. According to this perspective, feminist perspective considered that the disinclination of male dominancy is the only way to ensure social justice in the society (Feminism, 2010). Public policies Every individual from a child to an old age person possesses a sound concept of social justice and equality based treatment. Public policies are strongly associated with social justice since an average man also requires the same treatment as elite. However it has been greatly used by politicians and public figures so as to persuade people for electoral purposes (Gary Craig, 2008). The government has implemented the following public policies so as to establish social justice in the society (Office, 2012): Provide public services and incentives to the disadvantaged groups in the society. Encourage projects which are solely based upon the development of society and removal of discrimination for instance, community budget projects. Establish a financial market in order to help poor and to provide them the basic necessities of life. Increase job opportunities for individuals so that they can easily earn their livelihood to avail the fundamental human needs. Reduce the discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, region and language. This will significantly help in achieving the social justice on individual and collective levels. Conclusion Justice is the fundamental process through which people are granted their dues. It is the key for the success of any nation. Therefore it is the foremost responsibility of social institutions, politicians and other community workers to ensure that social justice is in reach of every individual (Isbister, 2001). Throughout the history different perspectives have been presented by socialist and feminist movements in relation to social justice. It is also a significant aspect of enhancing the international human relations and public policies. Different philosophers from history have presented their distinctive ideas about social justice in order to extend maximum support to the disadvantaged groups of the society and to build the society on sound ethical foundations. There are many theories and philosophies present on the subject. However, it is a pity to observe that social justice is still unavailable in most of the countries throughout the globe. References Ayelet Banai, M. R. (2011). Social Justice, Global Dynamics Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives. Routledge Research in International Relations Theory , 238 . Bankston, C. L. (2010). Social Justice: Cultural Origins of a Perspective and a Theory. The Independent Review , pp. 165–178. Feminism, S. J. (2010). Verna L. Williams, Kristin Kalsem . UCLA Women's Law Journal , 131. Gary Craig, T. B. (2008). Social Justice and Public Policy: Seeking Fairness in Diverse Societies. The Policy Press. Gil, D. G. (2009). Perspectives on Social Justice. The Forum on Public Policy . Isbister, J. (2001). Capitalism Justice PB: Envisioning Social and Economic Fairness. Kumarian Press. John Rawls, E. e. (2001). Justice As Fairness: A Restatement. Harvard University Press. Loberfeld, B. (2004). Social Justice: Code for Communism. FrontPageMagazine . McLachlan, H. V. (2005). Social justice, human rights and public policy. Pennsylvania State University. Office, T. S. (2012). Social Justice: Transforming Lives. London: HM Government. Where We Stand: Building the Next Left. (2013). Retrieved March 12, 2013, from Democratic Socialists of America.   Read More