Social Justice Theory

Social justice theory addresses the oppressions that arise from the many “-isms” of institutionalized prejudice. The 21st century's ideals of social justice challenge the social and political contexts of the [Page 1372]20th century, situating being female in the broader construction of multidimensional and intersecting identities. As a conceptual framework, social justice theory recognizes lived experiences, identity politics, and hierarchies of oppression as legitimate sources of knowledge. Moreover, social justice theory allows the combination of theory and practice to create praxis, resulting in the ontological necessity for solutions to injustice. However, in this age of instant communications and globalization, multiple ontologies arise with disagreement over what is just for whom. A single unifying theory of social justice, applicable throughout the world, remains elusive.