What is Social Justice?
What is Social Justice?
In Australia, we have a pretty good understanding of what justice is. You know, justice is that thing that involves courts and lawyers, which makes sure that the bad guys get punished, the good guys get compensated, and that everyone gets a fair go...
But what happens when society itself is the 'bad guy'? What happens to justice when our spending habits keep people enslaved? When the law or national policy victimises the poor and marginalised? When community attitudes stop people from receiving the support and assistance they desperately need?
The answer? When society is the perpetrator of injustice, unfairness is tolerated, accepted, even regarded as 'necessary'.
And social injustice won't end until someone stands up for those who don't have the ability to stand up for themselves.
That's really what we're on about when we talk about social justice - it's the pursuit of justice purely for someone else's sake. It's the pursuit of justice even if we don't get any benefit from the outcome. It's the pursuit of justice even if we ourselves need to make sacrifices in order to ensure everyone receives the same fair go.
Why The Salvation Army?
Right around the world, The Salvation Army helps people who have nowhere else to turn. But we also believe that sometimes the only way to make a lasting difference is to stand up and tackle the 'big issues' head-on.
General William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, believed in this approach. In 1890 he published the book In Darkest England and the Way Out, a bestseller that spelled out a comprehensive vision for revolutionising the way that English society responded to homelessness and sub-standard living conditions throughout their country. While some of those ideas have become obselete, many still form the basis for modern welfare strategies, and the book has been republished numerous times.
The Salvation Army's response to injustice can probably best be summed up in this quote from General William Booth:
"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight, I'll fight to the very end!"
Comments
I think that social justice is somthing that we should all get in to
Social Injustice is an insidious violation that every person who breathes fresh air has a responsibility to "stand up and fight" fo r those whose lives are stolen from them and for the fear they live on a daily basis. We don't take up the fight for personal glory but because someone has to take the lead and fight for those who are in constant pain.
We pray that we can make a difference but don't take that step back thinking someone else can 'do it'. No it is up to all
I cound'nt really understand what social justice is can someone please explain it to me more clearly?
@Vanne:
Hey Vanne!
Social Justice is about fighting for those who opressed, captive, disadvantaged or kept in poverty because of either the actions or the ignorance of society.
In short - social justice is about fighting for a world that is fair, safe, and equal for everyone.
As someone who donates over $1000 a year to the Salvos (thanks for taking great care of my grandfather at the end of his days!) I am disappointed that the organisation should have a 'social justice' program.
Justice is not a word that has any meaning whatsoever once a prefix is attached.
Social Justice means that nobody is above the law. Everyone has equal rights and opportunities. Those who are less favored in life be more favored in law. But since no one has created a completely just society, we cannot say in certainty that all people have equal chances. There are discrimination everywhere.
Social Justice to me means all people wether guilty or innocent get a fair trial. These days the topic " Social Justice " has almost become a taboo subject in Australia society. Were so use to vigilantes that we forget theres a police force and a Justice System. What people have to understand that is a vigilante may seem cool in the films like Batman and Spiderman but what we have to understand is that there are a insult to the justice system of Australia and there Police force. For a Vigilante is symbolic of the failure of both the police force and the justice system. But wait you maybe asking what is a Vigilante? Why basicly its a person taking matters in there own hands to either kill, Torture or Punish someone for there crimes. I consider myself a loving Aussie. The last thing i'd want is for injustice to overtake Australia society. We consider this a lucky country were people get a fair go. But we do lag behind our other western friends in terms of justice (Aboriginal for example or Bill of Rights). If foreign people can fight for their own so can we. Were are Aussie (All of Us). We can do it. The last thing we want is another Stolen Generation. Were we thought it was right, keep it a secret then later the truth always comes out and also even essential but later when society changed we knew it was wrong and had to say sorry for it. Please lets not go there again. Cheers, Allan Deguara.
Hi Allan,
I find your comments really interesting.
As lame as this may sound, as I was reading your comments, a line from the musical Wicked came to mind - "Where I come from, we believe all sorts of things that aren't true. We call it history. A man's called a 'traitor' or a 'liberator', a rich man's a 'thief' or 'philanthropist'. Is one a 'crusader' or 'ruthless invader'? It's all in which label is able to persist". I'm not saying that 'vigilante' justice is OK, but I think context is very important. There are a number of dissidents who I respect very much, and who have actually brought about social justice through their actions.
I also think it's important to remember that the Justice System is not always the be all and end all. At the moment I'm studying periods throughout history in which the justice system has been wrong - yes, in Australia.
I see what you're saying about the Bill of Rights, and I agree that we are very behind, but I also think there are a number of issues surrounding simply implementing these because other western nations have.
Thanks for commenting, it's been food for thought.
Hi, Casey, i like a bit of disscussion. I never said the justice system is perfect. In saying that let me say this. The Justice System is always better then anyguy off the street. In a court of law you need evidence, facts and truth with a sense of Honor. For a Vigilante all you need is a gut feeling and a impression ( You tell the diffirence ). What you have to understand that a Vigilante arises when society is angry or feed up with the justice system or police. In other words they have lost faith in them booth. This i have also studied history about Vigilante and so called justice of the Mob. It began in USA of the South. Whenever a White person was injured and black person was near by they would whip him to death without any proof or evidence ( And most of the time they were innocent ). So can can be agreed that these forms of injustice was based on a racist idea.
Now lets get to a Bill of Rights. I remember John Howard saying Australia was a leader in Human rights in our area. Well Howard i agree with you there. But when your competetion in Human rights in our area is China and North Korea, is it really that hard to be a leader? But lets give a few examples of first UK. The UK issued a Human BIll of Rights in 2004, By 2009 there human rights complaints would half in 5 years. Now thats a improvement. But why not go back further? Remember the bad old days of USA? with Salvry? Well when the North of USA brought in a Constitution and a Bill of Rights that saw all man as equal they waged war agaisnt the south to end slavry. Just from a Piece of paper cailming all men are equal. I admit some people could call me idealistic. But is that a crime?
Ok, Now lets look at Australian Law. First of all our basic saying of a fair go is a Australian value, but however it is not back up by Law. Nor is our value of freedom of speech. If you study the law you will realise that there a lot of laws that lead to racism. There a lot of things that we have to reboot.
Is these changes worth figthing for in Australia?
Yes, this country is not doubt one of the best in the world. Every man and women in Australia ( I believe ) wants to die knowing that they made it a better place for future generations. And that is my goal to lead Australia into a new Camelot sort of speak. every man and women can help. even this chat will help change attitudes. I want a fairer Oz and so i believe that every body else wants it to. Thank you and i would like to chat some more if you got more to add. Cheers, Allan Deguara.
Hi Allan, Thanks for your comments.
I think we're coming from different perspectives when it comes to defining 'vigilante'. From my perspective, a 'vigilante' isn't always better than the legal system - less regulated, perhaps, but not always better. I suppose my perspective is 'tainted' by a knowledge of unjust governments and legal systems. It's all about context, I suppose.
Funnily enough, at this moment I am sitting in a class on whether or not a Bill of Rights would be beneficial to Australia's protection of Human Rights. I think it's safe to say that debate on both sides is both reasonable and intelligent. I think it's good to be idealistic at times - let's rejoice in the amazing differences being made in other countries, and continue to partake in this important debate.
Unfortunately Australian Law, while it is clearly successful many elements, is inadequate in many.
Take, for example, the fact that many of our Basic Human rights as recognised by the UN are not actually enforceable here in Australia. They're persuasive, yes, but not enforceable.
They're just some thoughts... not necessarily agreeing with or contesting yours, just thoughts.
Thanks for the discussion.
Casey.
Cheers Casey, Its nice having a chat with a intilligent person. If only more people were like you and open to debate.
P.S Take Care.
Any one else wanna talk about social justice?
Man this topic is deader then a texas salad bar!
Hey Allan
you have too much spare time
that is all
p.s i am taking your opinions and using them for my assignment :)
Hey jor jor
Good to know my comments got to you.
Just remeber one thing with out justice, we as in you to, wouldnt have the right like water, a house the right to vote all the stuff you might take advantage of. Justice is a word that represent the best of western society. If you dont believe try a trip to N Korea then youll understand why its important for justice.
P.S anyone have a real debate and knowlegde to challenge me on Justice instead of one liner comments?
hai allen
i agree with jor jor you have too much spare time.
p.s. i am using your comments for my assignment.
p.p.s no your comments did not get to me.
Hey is there anyone who doesnt view social justice as a threat to there culture and values?
This website is good. I like the salvos.
Social justice has nothing to do with the justice system!!
Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating an egalitarian society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognises the dignity of every human being. Social justice is about making sure that all people have choices about how they live and the means to make those choices.
Hey Allan,
Social justice when taken seriously as a lifestyle will threaten our values and 'way of life'. We don't realise that those values that we claim to be right and just actually are a smoke screen for what really happens.There is much to love about Australia and the lifestyle that we live here - yet we are often unaware of the subtle and not so subtle ways in which the Australian 'way of life' disadvantages others socially, financially.
Just my 5 bobs.
Steve.
Hi, well i can see were your coming from but remember the very value of fair go is australian to say that social justice is a threat counter dicts our core belief in the way we treat each other. Remember Australia is a multi country with diffirent values in every ethnic group. But the one thing that unites us is that we all want a fair go.
Dont take that value for granted not many other countrys have that saying. Remember fight for justice unites people i have seen it bring out the best in people but of course injustice can have the oppisite effect.
We are the lucky country we are better then most but still theres plenty to work on. Me im not afraid of change i like it. social justice is always the dream goal of most societys. But the reality is that if we want to change australia we australians have to do. I mean we cant rely too much on the US to show us the way.
Plus if we dont change like on issues on aboriginal or dentention centres. Then the rest of the world our image is tainted. But be fooled the world watches each other. but hey thanks for chating Stephen im happy to continue this convo.
lets get back to basics people. you can not &never will be able to compare politics with social justice issues. i am a former soldier who now will always protect those in our world who are the underdog. i recently had a situation with a middle aged bloke that i stood in for at a local pub where i watched him being punched for no other reason than [a good target at the time.]. you tell me that my actions were justified or not. ? I will always protect those who cant themselves.
Hey, mate your just a good person not every one is like you. But the buttom line is when people are in power and they are not like you then there are serious problems. It just doesnt happen in Oz. Remember USA with Bush. Thank god we have Obama now. Buttom line If your in a position of power and your making decision on emotion rather then moral logic then you dont deserve to be in power!
Now lets talk about inter sibling abuse. The Gov has done nothing to combat it. But why? ill tell you because they can flog them. But what wrong with that. The thing is if the issue is not tackled then more childern are at risk. 90% of cases are of children and children. But this is the problem if you tackled the issue you would give them justice. The good thing about that is that is you can prevent thousands of children from being abused each year. But like i said is it worth giving justice so thousands of other children can be protected? JUst something to think about.
I lost sight of what social justice really is.. And its not a debate or anything other then raw love that we must express to people in this world who are the underdog, people who are less fotunate then ourselves who just want a helping hand to reach down to them in the midst of their pain and there situation. Its about opening our eyes as we do life and seeing that there are people in this world that need the love of Christ, and Christ is so desperately in love with them.
Why cant we just get up and get dirty and show some raw and passionate love that was shown for us over 2000 years ago wen LOVE itself was crucified on a cross. I may have given up my Journey with God but i never want to get to a place where i stop showing people how important and precious they are! about how valuable they are and that their life has a massive purpose!
Justice, its what God desires, Social Justice is simply denying ourselves and taking up our cross!
God doesn't want a big show or big band or big Church God wants a big HEART and Big LOVE and all the rest will come! Social justice isnt a blog on a website its a Helping hand and a loving soul
I liked Jake's comment that SJ is love for the underdog.
In that context, what do people think of the recent apology by the General, through the Chief of staff, to people who had been in children's homes run by the Army in Australia who had been abused.
you can find the text at
http://salvos.org.au/about-us/media-centre/media-releases.php
We need to show these people love and help them to rebuild their lives. Some are so hurt you can't expect them to approach the Army for counselling etc - the Army should provide for help by third parties. And we should not hide behind confidentiality clauses in settlements to protect the reputation of the Army.
The Salvation Army was responsible for social injustice by not showing those children God's love. I worry that we may still perpetuate that injustice by the way we treat them. we need more than ever to show them how important and precious they are! We need to give them that Helping hand!
As the Canberra ABC radio reported "Salvation Army apology for abuse frustrates those left scarred" and one man who was in care from age 5 till he was 14 described his as a "life sentence in purgatory".
A spokesperson from a support group said "What the Salvation army doesn't understand is that its difficult to go back to the army and to seek redress and justice from them."
"Not everybody can do that, so we need an independent reparations fund that the Salvation army contributes to, so the care survivors don't have to go back to the Army to get justice."
see http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/12/08/3088341.htm?site=canberra
What should the Army do now?
Hi, well the army can make sure that it never happens again. Wether child abuse or something similair. Remember those people who abuse children were counting on that nobody would believe them and hoping that will never change.
And there is more resistance to change in unequal societies.
You know so more ppl can educated and less fearful ( ignorant)
awsome
Peace be with everyone in Lord Jesus Christ's name, amen.
Alan u made me laugh with ur comment, I also shared it with another about Australia's only competition in Human Rights. I needed that laugh. And u r a person that is generous with ur time, so thanku for being generous.
Has anyone here really been through ole fashion persecution for years on end? Does anyone really know what its like to lose every area of ur life it maims and disables u, and ruins ur relationships, family, can't get access to clean drinking water, nor any services, and the abuse is so awful it just makes u flee into Christ. Or what about losing ur home and a roof over ur head that ur neighbours start to help and because it is in the too hard basket they look the other way, while they are in their nice comfortable homes and u have to deal alone while ur ill with the ruin and rubble. I am not talking about in other parts of the world, all though it is a proficient weed there, I am talking about right here in Australia.
I am also talking about some of the worst offenders to this abuse r Christian and they are in positions of authority and they misuse it and abuse it. They are also blocking Christ's Kingdom coming into the body, and they do this because if God's truth really came in they would end up losing their positions and authroity.
Do u know what it is really like to be advocates, where fields that u work in are called mine fields. Do u really know what it feels like to have people so abuse u and misuse and abuse ur trust and ur family that it shatters every part of u, and u know that ur taxes help pay their wages that give them the authority to do that legally?
Do u know every single Australian has been so affected by abuse whether they know it or not or want to admit it. Do u know every single person in this earth, also has been so affected by abuse. But do u know that is because it comes out of misuse and abusing God and His word. The perpertrators are just as much victim as their victims are.
U can't be used to deal with social injustice until u deal with ur own justice issues in ur own life, in ur own home, ur own community etc.... If u don't the anti christ will have a field day with u. U can't deal with this until u deal with ur sin in ur own life, u have to deal with ur own heart, mind and soul first and get rid of the errors and give up allegiance to the spirit of error in every part of ur life . All these problems come out of sin and come from sin resulting from disobedience to God. If u want to really impact the world, then start from your own lives first. Be obedient to God in every single little thing, even in the tiniest dot of ur dna. Even in the little speck of ur breath that makes up ur life.
Also this constant debating, writing about it etc...while not getting off ur backsides in ur own lives, its nothing but frustration. Forums are meant to support people, as well as encourage but they become the means that people use not to get off their backsides and avoid what needs to be done. The pharisees were in all the best places and spaces, to be seen of men. Start doing as Lord Jesus Christ requires of u, and deal with ur own heart, mind and soul, ur own life first and be so surrendered and in Love with Lord Jesus Christ, then start loving His people. That is what is going to fix the injustices, Love and that is the answer to how people can do as God asks is Love......and that is going to keep the government accountable is love.....and if u have done all that, then start interceding, night and day from morning noon and night, throughout every part of ur life until no more needed. And after u have done all that, enter into His rest and receive of Him and have Him remove in your life what is needed, give to u what is necessary, then u may be of use to God to deal with the injustice in this earth unto His Glorious Honour. But everyone needs to remember its, may God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Its His will that is going to do it, not our own. God takes the evil will away and brings His in its place so people say, by Ur will be done on earth as in heaven.
Leave it all there, remember Love also corrects when it is needed. And God's people need to get off their backsides in the unseen and just do His ministery as He leads. But He can only do so out of a vessel He brings forth unto honour and that takes humility.
In Christ we trust, written in Love and wanting to see a better body of Christ and a better world in peace, in Christ perfect One day. amen.
Now I am going back to rest, and Christ will sort everyone out and get them off their backsides in their own lives first amen.
After doing a lot of research on social justice, i think your bolded statement and the comment "the pursuit of justice purely for someone else's sake." is contradictory to the title of this section "Get Involved" and also opposes methods proven highly effective in achieving social justice. Reviewing other comments I think that the idea of standing up for someone who can't themselves is a strong theme however I must disagree. Social justice is derived from not standing 'for' people, but rather helping them stand themselves and standing with them. The word 'for' creates a sense that people less fortunate are not capable to hold their own, which is really quite patronising. Social justice is about working with someone, helping create connections between yourselves and others in order to rebuild or create the possibility for what ideals the person aspires to. If the 'more fortune' simply give to the 'less fortunate' it creates a vicious and highly dependent cycle which is not social justice at all. In order to truly help someone 'less fortune' you must refer to the building blocks of personal success which is closely related to relationships. The building of relationships is absolutely essential in social justice, it eliminates judgements and destroys this idea of 'giving to the poor' or 'standing for them' and actually acknowledging these people you are 'helping' as individuals with so much potential of regaining complete self worth which is often dulled or diminished by reliance on a give and take cycle.
So in summary, (using 'standing' as the metaphor, as used previously in your article) my view stands that social justice is not based on standing FOR those who cannot, but standing WITH those who cannot and for those who have potential to stand alone (and there are so so many), showing them they CAN and showing them how, rather than doing it for them.
awsome stuff
social justice is the pursuit purely for someone elses sake.
We both believe that Social Justice is something that everyone should fight for to make a safe and fair world!
give me a amen sister!