Social justice is a concept that aims to create a fair and equal society where all individuals have equal rights and opportunities. There are several causes of social justice, including:
1. Inequality: One of the main causes of social justice is the presence of inequality in society. This can manifest in various forms, such as income inequality, racial inequality, gender inequality, and more. Inequality can lead to marginalized groups being denied access to resources, opportunities, and rights, which is a violation of social justice principles.
2. Discrimination: Discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability can prevent individuals from fully participating in society and accessing the same opportunities as others. This can lead to social injustice and the perpetuation of systemic inequalities.
3. Poverty: Poverty is a major cause of social injustice, as individuals living in poverty often face barriers to accessing education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. Poverty can also lead to social exclusion and marginalization, further perpetuating inequality.
4. Lack of access to basic needs: Many individuals around the world lack access to basic needs such as clean water, food, healthcare, and education. This lack of access can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential and participating fully in society, leading to social injustice.
5. Structural barriers: Structural barriers such as institutionalized racism, sexism, and ableism can create systemic inequalities that prevent certain groups from achieving social justice. These barriers can be deeply ingrained in society and require systemic change to address.
Overall, social justice is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors. By addressing the root causes of social injustice, such as inequality, discrimination, poverty, lack of access to basic needs, and structural barriers, society can work towards creating a more fair and equal world for all individuals.
References:
1. United Nations. (n.d.). What is social justice? Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/social-justice/index.html
2. National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Social justice. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Code-of-Ethics-English#:~:text=Social%20justice%20is%20the%20pursuit,opportunities%20and%20resources%20for%20all.
3. World Bank. (2021). Poverty. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty