Social Justice/Action

Definition of Social Justice

Social justice is defined as the full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs. Social justice includes a vision of society in which the distribution of resources is equitable and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure. Many definitions of social justice focus on equality. A core argument in the literature on social justice, however, is whether equal distribution of resources alone (i.e., resources, services, goods) constitutes justice. The focus on equal distribution has been criticized because this conceptualization ignores the process of social justice and the institutional context of the process. Specifically, critics argue that decision making, division of labor, and culture—all potential tools of oppression—are not accounted for in this conceptualization of social justice. For example, goods could be distributed equally, but inequality could still exist because of certain groups' inability to access these goods.

Social justice is related to many pressing societal issues that psychologists are concerned with, including multiculturalism and oppression. Multiculturalism entails the study of diversity and how to bring diversity into research, training, and practice. Multiculturalism is closely linked to oppression, which occurs when an individual or group is dominated by others and thus experiences discrimination or exploitation. Alternatively, oppression also occurs when one group attempts to control another through institutionalized systems and policies. Because the oppression of many groups in society (e.g., women, the elderly, minorities, gay men, lesbian women) does not allow a large share of the population to participate fully in social life, social justice concerns a majority of the population. Some have argued that it is only by helping marginalized groups become aware of their oppression and embark on a plan of action (i.e., conscientization) that oppression can be countered.

History of Social Justice in Psychology

The concept of social justice originated in ancient theology and philosophy. Since the days of Plato, justice has referred to a well-ordered society. Political philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau conceptualized justice as related to liberty and equality. Locke's libertarian justice model outlined justice as equal opportunity for all, although he did not call for legislated equality. Rousseau later added to Locke's model, claiming that a system that allocates resources based on ability and achievement naturally leads to social inequities. Therefore, government should create laws that prevent social injustices but allow individual freedoms. Socialism, which is based on Marxist principles of enforced equality for all, is an extension of this theory in that government fully legislates equality, although at the expense of individual freedoms. Recently, a communitarian model has been proposed to better address aspects of social justice that lie beyond equal distribution. This model focuses on community empowerment and collective decision making.

Attention to social justice in psychology emerged from the field of community psychology. Community psychology evolved during the 1960s and challenged [Page 431]the traditional values of psychology, which focused primarily on the individual. Community psychology put forth ecological models that view social problems more systemically (i.e., as a result of the systems in which they exist). Community psychology called for psychologists to go out into the community and championed the collaboration of psychologists with community members. Central to all of these practices is the goal of social change. Much of this social change involves partnerships with oppressed groups.

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