In recent years, the word "social justice" has surpassed "human rights" in popularity. What exactly is social justice? It's essentially a societal sense of fairness.
Equal human rights imply justice, equality of treatment, and equal access to jobs, healthcare, and other possibilities. While society seeks to focus on the "rights" of all persons, it is clear that equality does not exist for everyone. When it comes to human equality, some situations and circumstances in our modern culture hinder us from receiving equal treatment. We typically see the social injustice that hinders us from living in a society where all humans are treated and deemed equals in the categories of religion, race, and gender (to name a few).
We've compiled a list of ten reasons why social justice is important to everyone:
1. It ensures that everyone has access to the necessities of life
When it comes to fairness, everyone is owed certain basic rights. The major three are food, shelter, and safe drinking water. These are typically taken for granted by the majority of people in various civilisations, yet there are always gaps. Other countries, where basic requirements are just as important but not met, are also affected by social justice. People are working for social justice by speaking up in support of basic needs.
2. It ensures that everyone receives proper medical care
It is impossible to overestimate the value of excellent health. It's a life or death situation. The healthcare system in society defines who receives what services and how much they must sacrifice to receive the care they require. People working for social justice in healthcare are advocating for better and more affordable insurance plans, pharmaceutical access, and other issues.
3. It safeguards disabled individuals
For many years, disability rights have been disregarded and neglected, but with the emergence of social justice, people are finally receiving a voice. Discrimination against people with visible and invisible disabilities (such as mental illness) is common in the workforce, in healthcare, and elsewhere. Disability rights must be included in social justice for it to genuinely be justice for all.
4. It protects persons from discrimination based on their religion
Religious freedom falls straight into the lap of social justice because religion is such an important element of a person's identity. Many countries have laws that restrict religious liberty, while others fail to implement existing safeguards. All religions, including the liberty to not follow any religion, should be free and safe, according to social justice campaigners.
5. It safeguards people against ageism
People who are older are frequently discriminated against based on their age. They may be sacked from their employment in favour of a younger employee, or they may be treated with contempt in their daily lives. Ageism is a sort of prejudice that falls within the social justice umbrella.
6. It safeguards persons from discrimination based on their sexual orientation
Members of the LGBTQIA community are routinely discriminated against in all aspects of their existence. In many terrible circumstances, it costs people their capacity to work, love, and even live, thus it's a big aspect of social justice to address it. In order for a society to be considered "just," LGBTQIA individuals must be treated fairly.
7. It protects people against racism
Discrimination on the basis of race is also a major problem in most societies. It can make it difficult for people to get work, live in peace, marry the person of their choice, and do other things. One of the most important characteristics of social justice is that people of all races can live happily and have equal opportunities.
8. It aids in the promotion of gender equality
Discrimination based on gender appears to be one of the world's oldest types of injustice. Women and girls have always been the most persecuted group in history, and it only gets worse if they are also members of another oppressed group, such as a certain race or religion. Social justice aims to close the gender gap and empower women everywhere.
9. It aids in the promotion of economic equality
The divide between the rich and the poor appears to be widening all the time. It is just not fair that some people struggle to provide enough food for their children while others receive large sums of money as part of a severance deal. Equality should not imply that everyone is wealthy; rather, it should imply that everyone can fulfil their fundamental necessities and live without fear of being thrown out on the streets if they have a setback. The goal of social justice is to ensure everyone's economic security.
10. It aids in the enhancement of educational opportunities for children
A decent education is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and allowing everyone to achieve their goals. Thousands more people, on the other hand, are unable to obtain a decent education simply because of where they reside or because of other forms of discrimination. Everyone should be able to learn in a safe, supportive, and equal-opportunity environment, according to social justice. When children are educated, society as a whole benefits.
In Conclusion
The term "social justice" refers to the respect and protection of everyone's human rights. Everyone has the same chances. This does not imply that society will be faultless or that everyone will be happy at all times. Everyone, on the other hand, will have a fighting chance at living the life they desire. They are not hampered by factors beyond their control, such as structural barriers or discrimination. Because there is no clear framework for what successful social justice looks like in practice, ideas like participation are crucial. Progress is feasible as long as a country prioritises social justice and remains devoted to equality.