Natural calamities and global shifts have caused individuals to migrate to various places across the globe. There are significant influxes of newcomers from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural origins into communities that were earlier largely homogenous. A fundamental cornerstone of our society in a world that is always changing is social fairness. It ensures that opportunity, equality and fairness are available to everyone by acting as a potent catalyst for change. Our history has been significantly shaped by social justice movements, which have helped remove obstacles and build a more just society.
What is Social Justice?
The term “social justice” is frequently used in the philanthropic community. But what does it mean? Even though you most likely have a general notion, if forced to characterize it in a brief sound bite, could you do so?
Numerous establishments and groups offer their own definitions. These are just a handful:
- “Social justice may be broadly understood as the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.” – United Nations
- “Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need.” – National Association of Social Workers
- “Social justice encompasses economic justice. Social justice is the virtue that guides us in creating those organized human interactions we call institutions. In turn, social institutions, when justly organized, provide us with access to what is good for the person, both individually and in our associations with others. Social justice also imposes on each of us a personal responsibility to work with others to design and continually perfect our institutions as tools for personal and social development.” – Center for Economic and Social Justice
Formal definitions share similarities even when their phrasing varies.
- Equal opportunity
- Equal rights
- Equitable treatment
We can define “social justice” as “equal rights and equitable opportunities for all” by keeping these fundamental principles in mind.
Issues of Social Justice
A broad range of concerns are included in social justice, which promotes treating everyone equally regardless of their socioeconomic situation, gender, color, ability or sexual orientation.
The following are a few of the most urgent social justice issues:
In many nations, the wealth gap between the rich and the poor is widening. This is a serious social justice problem that denies the impoverished and underprivileged opportunities.
People of color experience discrimination in work, housing, and education, and they are disproportionately impacted by poverty, crime, and violence.
Historically, women and girls have faced discrimination at job, in schools and politics, in addition to being denied the same rights and opportunities as males.
Individuals with disabilities often experience discrimination at employment and in their communities and are denied the same opportunities and rights as people without disabilities.
As per Dr. Dipak Nandi, MD, Board Certified Physician, Neuropsychiatrist, and a graduate of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, “Eliminating the root causes of inequality and injustice requires collective action not only from federal and state governments but also from responsible citizens. Together, we can build a better society.”
The effects of environmental degradation and climate change frequently disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income areas.
Social Justice in the U.S.
Examples of social justice in action abound. Among the most noteworthy instances are:
The Civil Rights Movement: This movement battled for Black Americans’ rights to fair work opportunities, equal education, and the ability to vote.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement: This movement promoted women’s voting rights.
The Disability Rights Movement: This movement fought for the rights of individuals with disabilities, such as the freedom to live independently, work, and receive an education.
The Environmental Justice Movement: This movement works to safeguard the environment and ensure that everyone is treated fairly when it comes to environmental concerns.
In 2022, the Federal government signed Executive Order 13985, titled “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” This order highlighted the reality that while equal opportunity is a fundamental principle of American democracy, it is often undermined by existing laws, public policies, and institutional practices that widen gaps and deny opportunities to individuals and communities. The directive calls for a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to advancing equity, recognizing the significant human costs of systemic racism, enduring poverty, and other disparities. This ambitious agenda aims to address these challenges and leverage the opportunities to create a more perfect union.
As Dr. Dipak Nandi, the renowned neuropsychiatrist and a thought leader among issues pertaining to equal rights and social justice, has eloquently said, “Creating awareness and mobilizing change are fundamental steps toward achieving social justice. By educating communities and fostering active participation, we can dismantle systemic inequalities, promote equity, and build a society where every individual can thrive.”
Sunknowledge Services Inc. – an ISO 27001:2022 certified, American-owned & operated company, headquartered in New York City – is a leading global provider of Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing services in the US healthcare domain.
