Social injustice

Social injustice

Introduction

Social injustice refers to a situation whereby a dominant population is aware of the inequalities that others face because of their position in the structure of power. Also, it can be described as how unjust actions are done in a particular society. The essay below gives a detailed analysis of social injustice in society, including its characteristics, causes, impact, and how it can be addressed.

Characteristics of social injustice

Every human being has ever committed social injustice to a fellow human being. Everyone is fallible and, at one particular time, has committed social crime more than others. The older generation realizes this more than, the younger generation. Unfortunately, even the protestors against social justice have, at some point, perpetrated social injustice in their lives, and they are likely to be victims of social injustice (Rodero, 86). It occurs in a circumstance where the unequal is treated equally, and the equals are treated unequally. Homophobia, ageism, and discrimination are the three famous examples of social injustice. Social injustice issues include discrimination due to age, ethnicity, orientation, gender, race, and unfair labour practices.

Further, the poor quality of schooling in some low-income regions, inequality of healthcare, and the death penalty can be classified as social injustice matters. Therefore social injustice is an isshttps://sharksavewriters.com/cognitive-science-and-the-law/ue that affects the society where differences arise based on particular criteria. The social injustices generally affect those who are not regarded as ”equal” to the ”norm” or marginalized groups. From the above definition, social injustice can be seen as a matter of equality, which is a state of being equal, especially in opportunities, rights, and status.

Causes of social injustice on the society

Social injustice is caused by any element of the society where inequality rises as a result of unjust policies and prejudices. Therefore, depending on the cause, social injustices can be classified into two, even though the two categories are codependent. They are unequal government regulation and inter-social treatment. Uneven government regulations entail rules and laws which decisively or otherwise create situations that deny, limit, or obstruct a group’s access to similar resources and opportunities relative to the rest of the society (Jackson, 22). The laws can implicitly (unintentionally) or explicitly( intentionally) cause the conditions for social injustice. Labour laws, educational laws, healthcare laws, environmental laws, policing laws, and voting laws are the areas where the government policy always gives rise to social injustice and inequality. On the other hand, inter-social treatment includes the treatment of others based on personally held prejudices and biases. Mostly, the prejudices manifest in sociological classifications like physical or mental ability, education, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, and race.

Impact of social injustice on the society

Often, there has been a price to be paid when a critical mass of inequality and disbelief is reached. At that point, the health of communities and individuals is adversely affected, and groups and individuals are denied equal opportunities to meet their basic human needs. Extreme social injustice creates tension between those who have and those who do not have and the society in general (Opotow, 23). For that reason, resentment, conflict, and crime, such as mugging and theft, arise. Such crimes end up causing violence, which has adverse effects on society as a whole. Social injustice represents the absence of equity and fairness and violates fundamental human rights. A society can no longer exist without the bedrock of justice, which is truth. It can never long live a lie. Therefore, in the long run, the social contract is both a belief and a perception. Once the substance of life in a society as it is lived is alleged to fail, the natural expectations of justice and truth and the social belief in the social contract are betrayed, resulting in cynicism. The cynicism causes ultimate destruction and the undermining of the commitment to the commons. With social injustices, the social contract turns to everyone for themselves, and with all that entails, civil society can no longer exist.

Addressing social injustice in society

Several means can be used to address social injustices and react to violations of human rights. The responses can either be procedural and substantial and seek all to bring perpetrators to justice and the harm that is caused. To address a social injustice, its underlying causes must be understood. The causes are associated with international conditions, different social problems, economic pressures, and underdevelopment. The routes of discrimination, repression, and other injustice arise from more complex and deeper economic, social, and political problems (Marmot, 4). Human rights can only be protected by strengthening civil society as well as understanding and improving it. Different means can be used to address the above mentioned social, political, and economic injustices. The effectiveness and appropriateness of a response rest on the nature of the grievance. To address political injustice, institutions of fair governance like unaccountable judiciary and police force should be established. Also, executive decision making and legislative action should be held accountable.

In most cases, the above measures are a matter of revising state constitutions and reforming state institutions. On the other hand, economic injustice can be addressed through economic reforms that offer groups better access to education, healthcare, and jobs. Often, a lack of access to essential services arises from massive inequalities while distributing resources (Marmot, 8). Therefore, the redistribution of resources and benefits is a significant element of social structural modifications to end injustice. Different economic and institutional development reforms can be put in place to boost economic growth and raise living standards.

Further, states can do away with instability and tension that result from unfair resource allocation by creating economic and social safety nets. For instance, developing programs that offer pension to the elderly, assistance to the poor, and education and training for workers contribute to the eradication of injustices. Also, improvements in access to land ownership, advancement in environmental policies to preserve and protect the environment, giving employees the right to demand, right to come together, demanding a fair wage, and tax reforms can be of help in some cases.

Conclusion

Social injustice affects society in powerful ways, from economic stability to psychological health. The poorest people are mostly affected by social injustice. The situation is getting worse day by day, and the fight against poverty can never be won until social injustice is tackled. It is necessary to fight social injustice to accomplish safe and peaceful lives. Extreme and entrenched power inequalities should be broken down to develop a more inclusive society.

Work cited

Jackson, Lynne M. The psychology of prejudice: From attitudes to social action. American Psychological Association, 2011.

Marmot, Michael, and Ruth Bell. “Fair society, healthy lives.” Public health 126 (2012): S4-S10.

Opotow, Susan. “Social injustice.” The encyclopedia of peace psychology (2011).

Rodero, Baltasar, et al. “Perceived injustice in fibromyalgia: psychometric characteristics of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire and relationship with pain catastrophizing and pain acceptance.” Journal of psychosomatic research 73.2 (2012): 86-91.