Understanding Social Justice: A Conceptual Analysis of Inequalities and Poverty Reduction
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Social justice, inequalities, poverty reduction, social equality, equality of opportunities, distributive justice, economic inequalities, social rights, social movements
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Abstract
This document delves into the concept of social justice, exploring its relationship with inequalities, poverty reduction, and the promotion of social equality. Through a philosophical and moral lens, it examines the principles of justice, the role of social rights, and the impact of social movements on contemporary societies.
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[...] Here, social justice would be a certain accommodation of living standards through the reduction of economic inequalities. Social justice also reveals a political project for society: socialism opposed to liberalism, which advocates for a more just vision of relations between individuals in society through a more egalitarian organization. This drive for social equity also implies, according to Pierre Antoine, a development of society for 'the respect and promotion of social rights' 2. Social justice, according to this author, is creator of new rights', it is a dynamic process induced by individuals and society. [...]
[...] In common sense, social justice is defined by an equality of rights and opportunities for individuals. In this sense, social justice is a political concept aimed at improving living conditions in society. However, this notion appears historically with industrial capitalism and the birth of the proletariat. The first labor struggles for the rights of employees mark the beginning of a fight for the recognition of workers' rights aiming to improve living conditions. We then really start talking about the 'social question' of workers. [...]
[...] We can currently see in our contemporary societies an explosion of social movements in various countries (France, Chile, Tunisia) demanding more social justice from their governments. The most striking example is that of Chile where of the population holds all the wealth of the country. The economic and social inequalities endured by the population are no longer bearable in human terms. What will be the economic and social investment of the State in reducing these inequalities according to the countries? [...]
[...] The definitional aspects of social justice question the notion of equality and equity. Equality of opportunities that must allow individuals to access the same social development without discrimination. However, should we not rather favor social equality over this equality of opportunities? François Dubet defines equality of opportunities as a meritocratic principle allowing certain individuals to access positions in an equal manner (the sons of workers who enter elite schools). For this sociologist, equality of places structures the social positions occupied by individuals. [...]
[...] How do the rulers of different countries take into account the most disadvantaged? Ultimately, we wonder how the State will play its role according to the political colors of the rulers? Will capitalism and ultra-liberalism ultimately be possible in the long term? Shouldn't solidarity and fraternity take precedence in a society for a more just human evolution? [...]
