What Social Justice means

The term 'social justice' implies fairness and mutual obligation in society: that we are responsible for one another, and that we should ensure that all have equal chances to succeed in life.

In societies wherein life chances are not distributed equally, this implies redistribution of opportunities, although the shape that such redistribution should take remains contested.

The most influential thinker on social justice has been John Rawls (1971): Rawls argues for a balance between social equality and individual freedom. However, social equality and individual freedom are frequently seen as in tension, and debate continues as to how, and to what extent, they can be balanced. 

Find out more about our Social Justice in Education programme strand.