Chapter 4: Social Justice Class 11 Political Science Notes

Social justice includes the principles of equality and fairness in society. It attempts to guarantee that every person has access to resources, opportunities, and rights while addressing systematic inequities. Social justice, which has its roots in fairness and solidarity, aims to make up for past wrongs and build a more fair and inclusive society.

In this article, we will get an overview of social justice, concerning the meaning, importance, and further implications, from the perspective of class 11 Polity Notes!

Chapter 4: Social Justice Class 11 Political Science Notes

What is Justice?

• Although it is understood differently in each culture and tradition, justice is a universal notion.
• Dharma, which upheld a fair social structure, was connected to justice in ancient Indian civilization.
• In China, Confucius strongly emphasized justice by penalizing wrongdoers and rewarding the righteous.
• Through conversations, Plato’s “The Republic” examined justice in Athens in the fourth century B.C.
• Plato discussed the need for justice in his conversations with Socrates, Glaucon, and Adeimantus.
• It was noted that being unjust frequently seemed more advantageous than being just.
• According to Socrates, if everyone behaved unfairly, society as a whole would suffer.
• According to Socrates, justice is the welfare of every person, not simply one’s interests.
• Applying justice means ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity and providing each person their due.
• The modern definition of justice places a strong emphasis on respecting human dignity and treating every person equally.

Principles of Social Justice

S.No	Principles of Social Justice
1	Equal treatment for Equals
2	Proportionate Justice
3	Recognition of Special Needs

1. Equal treatment for Equals

While maintaining fairness in today’s culture isn’t easy, there are a few guiding principles. The idea of treating equals equally is one of these. It entails acknowledging that everyone is entitled to the same respect and treatment because of their shared humanity. These rights encompass social, political, and civil liberties like equality of opportunity, voting, and life. This principle is violated by discrimination on the basis of class, caste, race, or gender. To be fair, one must evaluate people based on their deeds, not on who they are. For example, equal remuneration for equal effort is vital, regardless of caste or gender. Maintaining this idea promotes an inclusive and just society.

2. Proportionate Justice

Justice is more than just treating people equally. Rewarding individuals according to their effort and the calibre of their job is sometimes fairer. Giving everyone the same grades in school, for instance, might not be fair. Rather, grades ought to demonstrate pupils’ proficiency and diligence. Comparably, in society, various occupations could be deserving of various compensation according to elements like danger, effort, and talent. In order for justice to triumph, proportionality and equitable treatment must be balanced, making sure that each person is compensated equally for their contributions.

3. Recognition of Special Needs

Acknowledging and meeting the unique needs of individuals within a community is a crucial component of the justice principle. It’s important to treat everyone fairly and to provide credit for contributions in comparable amounts, but it’s also important to take into account those who might need additional assistance because of age, disability, or lack of access to healthcare or education. By recognising that certain people could require extra assistance to attain equality, this principle expands on the notion of equal treatment. For example, in our nation, caste-based societal inequality is addressed through reservations in employment and education. Governments may find it difficult to strike a balance between these ideals, yet doing so is vital to build an equitable and just society.

Just Distribution

1. The equitable distribution of commodities and services is a component of social justice, which goes beyond just treatment under the law and other regulations.
2. To level the playing field, governments may need to redistribute resources in response to economic and social inequality.
3. Social justice within nations is guaranteeing each and every citizen’s fundamental equality in terms of opportunities and living situations.
4. Policies that work to advance social equality and equitable resource distribution include the abolition of untouchability and the implementation of land reforms.
5. Conflicts over the allocation of resources, access to training, and employment opportunities can incite intense feelings and even violence.
6. Political theory aids in examining these matters in the context of justice ideals.
7. Prominent political philosopher John Rawls put forward a theory of just distribution.
8. Rawls made the case that it is rationally acceptable to assist the most underprivileged members of society.
9. Programmes to assist the underprivileged are assessed according to how well they follow the rules of justice.
10. Gaining an understanding of theories like as Rawls’ makes it easier to evaluate the justification for social policies that seek to advance justice and equality.

John Rawls’ Theory of Justice

• Humans are inherently drawn to societies that benefit them, particularly in light of what lies ahead for their children.
• John Rawls suggests a way to attain justice and fairness by picturing decision-making via a “veil of ignorance.”
• Unaware of their future rank or position, people consider society’s laws while hiding behind a curtain of ignorance.
• Since rational people don’t know what the future holds, they put the needs of the least fortunate first.
• People are prompted to consider the viewpoint of the least fortunate while they are under the cloak of ignorance.
• This strategy makes sure that just laws and policies help everyone, not just particular groups.
• If someone was born into the lowest socioeconomic group, they will choose policies that protect them out of rational self-interest.
• They also strive for laws that benefit society as a whole, even though they know they might be born into privilege.
• When it comes to attaining justice and an unbiased allocation of the advantages and disadvantages of society, Rawls places more emphasis on reason than morality.
• His idea emphasises how crucial it is to base fairness decisions on reasoned considerations rather than moral precepts.

Pursuing Social Justice

• In a society where there are significant gaps between the wealthy and the excluded, social justice is lacking.
• While complete equality is not required, society is unfair if differences are so great that they lead to the creation of parallel universes.
• A just society offers equal possibilities for development and the bare minimal requirements for safe, healthy lives.
• Food, shelter, clean water, education, and a minimum wage are examples of basic requirements.
• Governments must provide these fundamental necessities, but this can be difficult, particularly in nations with sizable impoverished populations.
• There is disagreement regarding the most effective ways to assist the underprivileged, including government intervention or free markets.
• Diverse political factions support different programs aimed at helping marginalized groups, like the impoverished in rural or urban areas.
• The relative benefits of various strategies for achieving social justice are examined in this ongoing discussion.

Free Markets versus State Intervention

• Those who favour a free market believe that people should be able to own property, enter into contracts, and compete for benefits.
• They contend that fair benefit distribution based on ability and merit would be guaranteed by unrestricted markets.
• Certain limitations are acceptable to proponents of the free market, such as guaranteeing a minimal quality of life.
• They suggest enabling people to purchase services while allowing markets to grow in industries like healthcare and education.
• Proponents contend that the market is impartial and concentrates on abilities and capabilities, giving customers more options.
• However, unregulated markets could not offer everyone access to high-quality products and services at reasonable costs.
• Private businesses could disadvantage the underprivileged by being expensive despite providing better services.
• Free markets, according to their detractors, favour the rich and powerful while excluding the weak and disadvantaged.
• In democratic societies, disagreements on fairness and distribution are constructive because they encourage discussion and compromise.
• It is necessary to research various justice tenets and come to consensus on the pursuit of justice in order to address social and economic disparities.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, the proper balance between state involvement and free markets is still a contentious issue in the social justice debate. Free market proponents stress the importance of individual liberty and merit-based benefit distribution, whereas state interventionists stress the need of providing equal opportunity and fundamental necessities for all members of society. The distribution of resources and the formulation of policy are guided by the concepts of justice, which are based on equality, fairness, and the recognition of specific needs. Notwithstanding differences in viewpoint, democratic societies gain from these discussions because they force a critical analysis and negotiation of social norms and practices. In the end, attaining social justice necessitates a sophisticated comprehension of diverse theories of justice and a joint endeavour to tackle systemic disparities and advance equity and inclusivity within society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Social Justice?

Ensuring that every person has access to resources, opportunities, and rights is the goal of social justice, which includes the concepts of fairness and equality in society. It aims to create a society that is more inclusive and equitable by addressing systemic injustices.

What are the principles for Social Justice?

Equal treatment for equals, proportionate justice, and acknowledgment of specific needs are among the tenets of social justice. These tenets direct initiatives to combat discrimination, advance equality and fairness in society, and guarantee that everyone has the chance to prosper.

In what way is social equality related to justice?

In order to achieve justice in society, people must not only be treated equally before the law but also have equal access to opportunities and resources. It seeks to level the playing field and give everyone access to the necessities for a safe and secure existence.

What are some social justice issues?

The barriers that stand in the way of social justice are known as social justice issues. If left unchecked, they might lead to social inequality in the community. Voting rights, child abuse, inequality, food insecurity, and economic disparity are some of the social justice concerns.

Why social justice is important?

Because it promotes inclusivity in society, lessens the detrimental impacts of social injustice, and advances equality, social justice is crucial.