Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Exploring Concepts And Definitions Of Social Justice

By Shirley Anderson


Different people often interpret different areas and concepts of society in different ways. Officially, when it comes to social justice, the term relates to the concept of fair and just practices between society and individuals. In most cases, this is measured by personal identity, lifestyle, social privilege, personal activity and distribution of wealth.

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.

Most often, these institutions are made up of social taxation and insurance, public health centers, schools, services and affordable housing. Whereas, distribution of wealth through community and government benefits and regulation of markets are also important in this regard. Whereas, most all of these institutions and organizations focus on individual equality and responsibility, especially by those in power such as governors, senators, mayors and city council members.

The practice of this type of justice is often invoked during philosophical debates and discussions related to local, regional, national and international history. In most cases, the differences include people whom are physically or developmentally disabled, the environment, immigration reform, racial and economic equality. Over the last several decades, LGBTQ+, and modified gender identity have become part and parcel to the overall 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.

While research shows that the term dates back to the No 7 Federalist Papers in which it was used for the first time in print, it actually dates back to long before the 1700s. Although, it was not until the late industrial period when Americans began using the term on a regular basis. After which, the phrase began appearing in a number of law suits and educational materials at colleges and universities around the world.

In the latter part of the industrial revolution, progressive American scholars began using the term more frequently. After which, it was also used in establishing the International Labor Organization. Once the labor organization was established, the term began to spread more rapidly around the world, with different countries providing different 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.




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