Ch 4- Social Justice.pptx Grade 11-Political science

Ch 4- Social Justice.pptx Grade 11-Political science

1. Chapter 4 Social Justice

2. Justice = fairness in society. It determines how social goods, rights, and duties are distributed among individuals. Like love, justice evokes deep emotion, but it concerns public life and social order. All cultures interpret justice differently — yet it always concerns what people deserve. Aim: To ensure well-being, dignity, and equal opportunity for all members of society.

3. What is Justice?

4. Ancient Ideas: India: Justice linked with Dharma — duty of kings to uphold social order. China (Confucius): Kings must punish the wicked and reward the virtuous. Greece (Plato – The Republic): Justice = ensuring the well-being of all; everyone performing their due role and fulfill their function in harmony with others. Socrates: Justice benefits all in the long term, injustice harms society as a whole. Modern Understanding (Kant): Justice is linked with dignity and equality. All humans deserve equal consideration and opportunity to develop their talents.

5. Principles of Justice a) Equal Treatment for Equals All individuals share equal human worth → deserve equal rights & opportunities. No discrimination on the basis of caste, class, race, gender, or religion. Equal pay for equal work, equal civil and political rights. Example: Male and female teachers doing same work → must get same salary.

6. b. Proportionate Justice Equality doesn’t mean same treatment in all cases. Rewards should be proportional to effort, skill, risk, and responsibility. Example: Students earn marks according to their effort and performance. Example: Miners or police officers deserve fair compensation for risky work. Principle balances equality with merit and contribution.

7. c) Recognition of Special Needs Justice requires recognizing and supporting those with special needs or disadvantages. E.g., persons with disabilities, the poor, aged, or marginalised castes. Promotes social justice by ensuring equal life opportunities for all. Examples: Extra exam time for visually impaired students, Reservation for SCs, STs, and women in jobs/education. Principle extends equal treatment by acknowledging that unequal situations need different treatment.

8. Just Distribution Social justice = fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and resources. Not only fair laws but also fair life conditions. Government actions: Abolition of untouchability, Land reforms and redistribution. Goal: Create a level playing field where everyone can pursue their goals.

9. Rawls introduces the “Veil of Ignorance.”

10. John Rawls’ Theory of Justice Rawls introduces the “Veil of Ignorance.” Imagine deciding rules for society without knowing your own position — rich/poor, male/female, caste/class. Under this veil, rational individuals would choose policies that are fair to all, especially the least advantaged. Leads to justice as fairness — protecting the weak while ensuring the well-being of society as a whole.

11. John Rawls’ Theory of Justice Two Main Outcomes: Fairness to the least advantaged (rational people would protect themselves if born in disadvantaged position). Benefit to society as a whole (ensuring everyone’s well-being is in everyone’s interest). Concusion- Fairness arises not from charity or morality, but from rational thinking and self-interest when applied impartially.

12. Pursuing Social Justice Meaning: Justice does not require absolute equality, but ensures reasonable equality of opportunity. A society is unjust when the rich and poor live in completely separate worlds with no chance for the disadvantaged to improve. Basic Minimum Requirements: Health and nourishment, Housing, Clean drinking water, Education, Minimum wage and income security. Government’s Role: To Ensure these minimum conditions → responsibility of a democratic state. Promote equality through welfare schemes and redistribution.

13. Essence of Social Justice Justice = Giving each their due. Equal dignity, fair opportunity, and protection of the weak. Requires harmonising three principles: Equal Treatment, Proportionate Rewards, Special Needs Recognition. Ambedkar’s Vision: A just society is one where compassion replaces hierarchy and discrimination.