11th Political Science : Social Justice

Social Justice

 Origin of Justice- The term Justice is derived from the Latin word ' Jungere ' which means tie or bond , the aim of Justice is the welfare of nation . Justice requires that all individuals are given equal consideration .

Justice

The Principle of Justice in different societies,at different time period are interpreted as-

- Ancient Indian society justice was associated with Dharma and maintaining or just social order was considered to be a primary duty of kings.

-In China Confucius the famous philosopher argued that kings should maintain justice by punishing wrong doers and rewarding the virtuous.

-In the 4th century BC Plato in his book ' The Republic ' says Justice in terms of certain functions to be performed.

In Plato's concept, society is divided into three different categories such as the intelligent class, the courageous class and the greedy class.  The intelligent class would become philosopher kings, the courageous would become soldiers and the greedy class would become those engaged in production activities such as businessmen and farmers.

 Where each person does his own work without interfering with the work of another, that is justice.

 - According to German philosopher Immanuel Kant- Every human being has dignity.  It is justice to give him the respect, position or opportunity he deserves.

Different types of Justice

 1. Social Justice . 2. Political Justice . 3. Economic Justice .

Social Justice - Social Justice arque that there will be no discrimination between the member of society on the basis of caste , religion , race and colour .

Economic Justice- It means those rights that enjoyed by a person by consuming his livelihood . Exp -Equal wages for equal work , right to work , removal of unemployment & poverty . 

Political Justice-  It is the justice given to an individual to live as a citizen .

 Exp- Universal Adult franchise , Right to contest in election & Right to criticise government . 

Three Principles of Justice- 

Equal treatment for equal - Jermy Bentham 

- Proportionate justice -Aristotle 

- Recognition of special needs . 

Equal Treatment for Equal- This concept is introduced by Bentham. This also called democratic justice or numerical justice. The resources of a country , rights , freedom should be equally divided between its members and no one should be discriminated on the basis of caste, class , gender and race .

Proportionate Justice .This principle states that every person should work according to his ability and get the reward according to the work done by him. The difference between the salary of a scientist and a class IVth employee is an example of this principle.

Recognition of special Needs-  Our constitution allowed for reservation of government job & admission to educational institution for people belongings to sc / ST to maintain equal justice .

JUST DISTRIBUTION • To achieve social justice in society , governments might go for distribution of goods and services in a fair manner . If there are serious economic or social inequalities in a society , it might become necessary to try and redistribute some of the important resources of the society to provide something like a level playing field for citizens .

* This is seen as necessary for each person to be able to pursue his / her objectives and express himself . In our country , for instance :

-The Constitution of India abolished the practice of untouchability to promote social equality and ensure that people belonging to ' lower ' castes have access to temples , jobs and basic necessities like water .

* Different State Governments have also taken some measures to redistribute important resources like land in a more fair manner by instituting land reforms .

* The theory of ' Just Distribution ' was put forward by the well - known political philosopher , John Rawls .

John Rawls's Theory of Justice-

Rawls is an American philosopher whose famous book is " The theory of Justice " . Rawls argues that only way we can arrive at a fair & just distribution is if we imagine ourselves to be in a situation in which we have to make decisions about how society should be organised although we do not know which position we would ourselves occupy in that society . Rawls describes this as thinking under a 'veil of ignorance'. Advantage of this concept is that the law made by the government will be equally . beneficial for all.

Steps taken to Establish Social Justice In India 

-Free & compulsory primary education 

-Five year Plans

-Antyodaya schemes 

- Economic social security to underprivileged

- Provisions in Fundamental Rights .

- Efforts in Directive Principles of state policy . 

Free Market versus State Intervention 

- The free market direct benefit to qualified & able persons through open competition in against the intervention of the state . In such a  situation , the debate intensifies whether the government should be responsible for the disabled people without facilities , because they cannot compete in accordance with the free market .

 Social Justice is the equal access to wealth opportunities & privileges within a society . 

-"A Just society is a society in which an ascending sense of respect and a descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society" - B.R Ambedkar.

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