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.

Most recently, the practice is now being used to break barriers in the areas of economic status, racial inequality, social mobility and LGBTQ+ rights and equality. In addition, most individuals working in this area are now trying to establish rights with regards to a number of institutional processes, not only in the United States but around the world.

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 practice is often invoked during discussions about historical figures, philosophers and ideologies which differ in the overall human experience. In most cases, these differences refer to gender identity, racial equality, immigration reform, the environment and individuals whom are developmentally or physically disabled. More recently, issues related to LGBTQ+ and gender identity have also become part and parcel to the movement.

In most cases, the social aspects of the justice system can be traced back in history to the time of Thomas Paine's ideological and philosophical beliefs and Augustine of Hippo. While this is the case, the term actually did not become widely used until the late 1700s. After which, people came more familiar with the practice during the 1848 revolutions. Then, the term gained a great deal more popularity in relation to the women's and civil rights movements during the 1950s and 1960s.

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.




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