social injustice today essay

Black people are still seeking racial justice – why and what to do about it

Subscribe to how we rise, kwadwo frimpong kwadwo frimpong research associate.

November 12, 2020

On July 9 th 2020, in the wake of nation-wide protests over George Floyd and other Black victims of police violence, David M. Rubenstein Fellow in Governance Studies Rashawn Ray joined actor and producer Boris Kodjoe to talk about policy solutions to address systemic racism and police brutality. Below are highlights from their conversation for the Instagram podcast series #19for20 , which aims to inspire public dialogue about difficult topics in social justice. You can watch the full interview here .

What is different about today’s climate compared to prior national uprisings around race?

Ray highlighted how both the visceral public display of George Floyd’s murder and COVID-19 had engulfed the nation in a manner markedly distinct from Ferguson, Black Lives Matter (BLM) and other previous nation-wide racial justice movements.

“George Floyd is the twenty first century Emmett Till, a moment similar to [his] murder in 1955 [and] by his mother having the foresight and also the bravery to show his decomposed body in that casket”, he said.

The gruesome imagery of witnessing another human being lose their life , with their neck buried under the knee of a police officer for roughly 8 minutes and 46 seconds languishes us psychologically, emotionally and physically. At the same time, with the globe and mainstream media gripped in the sweeping standstill of the pandemic, BLM took to social media, unleashing raw footage of Floyd and other Black victims to signify that they were not isolated, but were the remnants of a larger scourge of racially charged police violence rippling across the country.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCcTIIUIu1K/?igshid=ri56lt8dfddf

Why do Black Lives continue to be devalued and over-criminalized?

Ray remarked on how the nation’s historical legacy of slavery continues to be the foundational epicenter of racial discrimination against Blacks and other minorities. “Bad apples often times come from a rotten tree. And that tree in the United States of America is rooted in systemic racism, particularly when it comes to law enforcement that has roots back to slavery”, he explained. What’s more, according to recent research , disturbing levels of white nationalism and domestic extremist groups have been shown to have infiltrated law enforcement.

Kodjoe described a personal encounter he had had with a white businessman in his own neighborhood while dressed in a hoodie and flip flops to illustrate what he referred to as “ the magic pause ”: how Black individuals continually internalize and deflect a series of micro-aggressions and discriminatory behavior from white individuals. The man was initially disdainful towards Kodjoe but after noticing that he owned one of the most opulent houses in the community, he sharply reversed his tone, adopting a more friendly and positive demeanor. “And that criminalization of Black people is the direct result of the lack of those muscles and the lack of consideration for the fact that I’m a father, I’m a husband, I’m a professional, I have family, I have a job,” Kodjoe emphasized.

Ray concurred, remarking that “ the magic pause ” also reflects the collective memory of traumatic experiences that Blacks have undergone in the past, triggering fresh waves of encounters that either did or could have ended fatally, but also revealing how a white person will attempt to code-switch according to the perceived social class of a Black person. “And I think fundamentally it highlights that we can’t outclass racism. It doesn’t matter if you’re Boris Kodjoe [and] that you have the biggest house on the street….all that matters is that in that moment, he’s seen your skin tone and his skin tone, [which gives] him the script for how to make sense of what was going on,” he added.  In essence, these racial attitudes undergird and perpetuate the over-policing and dehumanization of Black people and the long-standing perceptions that they are not only one-dimensional but are more likely to engage in crime. Conversely, crime is inherently racial but there is a tendency to zero in on Black related violence. “ 94% of Black people kill other Blacks, 86% of white people kill other whites. But we never say white-on-white crime. It’s only talking about Black-on-Black crime,” Ray underscored.

What remedies can help shape the path forward?  

1.  Re-allocate and re-invest in police departments

Simply assigning more police officers to these crises will not solve the underlying issues. Further, not only is crime hovering at historic lows but existing law enforcement funds are not being utilized efficiently: Roughly 40% of homicides and 70% of robberies go unresolved and  9 out of 10 response calls handled by law enforcement stem from non-violent issues, ranging from mental health to homelessness. Defunding the police or re-assigning non-violent crimes to entities better equipped to handle these societal challenges will help to boost efficiency and augment the clearance rate for resolving violent crimes.

2.  Implement accountability & transparency in law enforcement

Not only does the status quo reward police officers who ratchet up the highest quotas of tickets and arrests but taxpayers routinely foot the bill for civil payouts involving victims of police brutality and even then, the culpable officers are rarely held financially or criminally liable.

• Institute police department liability insurance: By shifting the source of funds for civilian payouts from taxpayers to police budgets , police departments will not only have a greater incentive to hold police officers accountable for misconduct but the aggrieved families will receive more just recompense for the loss of their loved ones, through the parties that are directly responsible as opposed to through their own hard-earned tax dollars.
• Create a national registry : This will allow police officers to be terminated for misconduct or if they resigned under trial for misconduct as outlined in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act .
• Remove qualified immunity : This is a legal safeguard currently upheld by the Supreme Court which shields police officers from criminal liability and being sued financially, however, recently enacted state led reforms such as in Colorado can serve as a promising model.

3.  Active civic engagement, particularly down ballot

Activism across the electoral spectrum is paramount but local politics largely determines the policies and outcomes within one’s immediate community. Rallying and electing local officials such as state representatives and attorney generals who can impact the judicial system can yield concrete pathways towards significant results.

4.  Corporate America needs to embrace meaningful action, not just slogans and words

Black assets and intellectual property have been systematically disenfranchised and under-invested in and members of the C-suite and other large conglomerates have a significant role to play in not only reshaping the narrative and incentive structure around business but by also leveraging the existing resources within the Black community to drive sustainable and meaningful change. ”[We] don’t need handouts, we need real partnerships and corporate allies that are ready to invest in us,” Kodjoe reiterated.

• Invest in minority-owned small businesses . Roughly 40% of black small businesses went under because 90% didn’t receive relief funds, however, large corporates can leverage their existing sub-contracts to combat this area.
• Diversity upper management; there is a rich pool of untapped talent to be capitalized upon.
• Compensate individuals for doing the emotional work of anti-racism; they are not there to do it for free.
• Institute bi-annual surveys for minorities to capture their experiences in the workplace and promote greater equity.
• Implement reparations to close the racial wealth gap.

In essence, Black people don’t want a seat at the table, they want their own table, apportioned with equal weight and size to be acknowledged, seen, and heard across all spectrums of society. W.E.B Dubois encapsulated this enduring plight of Black individuals over a century ago as “ double consciousness ”, a longing to be both Black and American without having the doors of opportunity closed roughly in one’s face. And yet Blacks are still clamoring for that promise of equal justice and opportunity to be recognized as fully equal citizens in America.

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15 Social Justice Issues We Must Address

Social justice is built on the pillars of human rights, equity, participation, and access. When a society is just, everyone is respected, supported, and protected. Achieving social justice isn’t easy as there are many issues that need to be addressed. Here are 15 examples:

#1. The gender pay gap

Around the world, the gender pay gap is one of the slowest-moving social justice issues. There’s been progress, but according to the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law 2022 report , around 2.4 billion women of working age aren’t getting equal economic opportunities. 95 countries don’t ensure equal pay for equal work. When it comes to lifetime earnings, how big does that gap end up being? Globally, The World Bank Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnership says women make about $172 trillion less than men . Some areas are doing better than others. According to the WE Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report , only five countries got scores higher than 0.800 on wage equality for similar work: Albania, Burundi, Algeria, Iceland, and Singapore. Unfortunately, wage equality for similar work has gone down since 2021 in seven countries, including China and Cambodia.

#2. Income inequality

The gender pay gap contributes to income inequality, but it’s not as if all men are doing well financially. Income inequality concerns people within states and the wealth between states. When the pandemic struck, global income inequality got worse and even undid some of the progress of the past 20 years. While the global economy rebounded in 2021, the World Bank estimated that global growth would decelerate from 5.5.% in 2021 to 3.2% in 2023. Inflation is also a major issue. However, while people fall into poverty, the world’s ten richest men more than doubled their fortunes during the first two years of the pandemic, earning an average of $1.3 billion a day. It’s hard to think of something more unequal than that.

#3. Climate change

Many factors drive climate change, such as agriculture, offshore drilling, fracking, and more. Despite decades of warnings and serious events like drought and hurricanes, fossil fuel emissions are not improving. The past seven years were the warmest on record. Scientists agree that if significant change isn’t made, temperatures will continue to rise. Extreme weather events will become more frequent and billions will be at risk. Fighting climate change is important because it affects other issues, such as food security, poverty, gender equality, and more.

#4. Food insecurity

With climate change, supply chain issues, and inflation, food insecurity is an ever-present issue. Things got especially dire in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine and blockaded Ukrainian ports, cutting off grain exports to the rest of the world. While events like war trigger food insecurity, increased hunger has been on the rise for years. The 2022 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report found that hunger affected around 828 million people in 2021 , which reflects a 46 million people increase.

#5. The refugee crisis

According to the UN Refugee Agency , over 2 million refugees will need to be resettled in 2023. That’s a 36% increase from 2022. There are a few reasons why, including the pandemic, climate change, conflict, and more. Women and children are especially vulnerable to trafficking and violence. According to a report from Save the Children, “likely all children” migrating to Europe through the Balkans faced violence. Police and smugglers were the most common perpetrators. Both the resettlement and safety of refugees as they migrate are must-address social justice issues.

#6. Universal healthcare

“Good health and well-being” is the third Sustainable Development Goal . It’s closely linked to other goals such as clean water, sanitation, and zero hunger. To achieve this goal, universal healthcare is essential. The need for it was made blatant during the COVID-19 pandemic, but healthcare systems around the world were already failing many people. According to the WHO , over 930 million people spend at least 10% of their household income on healthcare. Because of out-of-pocket spending, 100 million people fall into poverty each year. Universal healthcare, which ensures everyone has access to all the healthcare they need without financial hardship, is one of the most urgent social justice issues.

#7. Poverty

The world has been trying to deal with poverty for many years, but according to the World Bank , it’s unlikely to end extreme poverty by 2030. COVID-19 was a big reason why. In 2020, 70 million people fell into extreme poverty. This number represents the largest one-year increase since 1990 when the world started monitoring global poverty. Extreme poverty, which is defined as earning less than $2.15 a day, concentrates in areas where it’s hard to address, such as rural areas, Sub-Saharan Africa, and areas with conflict. Ending poverty is complex and involves addressing other social justice issues, such as low-quality education, inferior healthcare, gender inequality, and so on.

#8. Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence is a global issue. According to the WHO, about 30% of women have endured physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. Most violence is perpetrated by an intimate partner. This type of violence affects a person’s sexual, mental, emotional, and physical health. The violence can also be fatal. Around the world, around 38% of murdered women were killed by their intimate partners. Reports, like the one released by the United States Institute of Peace , found that COVID-19 made gender-based violence worse. How can gender-based violence be addressed? It requires a multi-faceted approach. Improved gender equality, early education, better legal protections for women, and more are essential pieces of the puzzle.

#9. State violence

Violence perpetrated by the state is a growing concern. We’ve seen several examples in just a few years. In 2020, U.S. protests against police brutality were met by more excessive force in places like New York City, where police officers trapped protesters. Unable to leave, the protesters were trapped until the start of the city-wide curfew, after which the police began attacking them without warning. A report by Human Rights Watch stated that “the police response to the peaceful Mott Haven protest was intentional, planned, and unjustified.” In 2022, Iran (which already has a long history of state violence) responded to peaceful protests with brutality. While exact numbers are hard to come by, hundreds of protesters could have been killed, including many children.

#10. Threats to the trans community

The LGBTQ+ community as a whole is vulnerable to violence and discrimination, but the trans community has been facing an increasing number of threats. The United States provides many disheartening examples. In Florida , the state board of medicine agreed to start the process of barring minors from receiving puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgeries to treat gender dysphoria. This goes against organizations like the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which support gender-affirming care for young people. Meanwhile, in Keller, Texas , a school board voted to ban all books that even mention gender fluidity. Actions like this represent a concentrated effort to roll back rights for LGBTQ+ people.

#11. Eroding democracy

Freedom House, an organization that conducts research and advocacy on democracy and political freedom, has found that global freedom is declining. In their 2022 report, they found that while only 25 countries improved their democracy, 60 countries got worse. 2023 could be worse for places like Southeast Asia where in Myanmar, the junta continues to rule. Freedom is also threatened in Afghanistan where the Taliban have once again taken over. In November, the Taliban ordered judges to impose its interpretation of Sharia Law, which could open the door to even worse human rights violations.

#12. Political extremism

Eroding democracy is closely linked to political extremism, which is becoming an increasingly urgent problem. On January 6th, 2021, a riot of Trump supporters attacked the United States Capitol in an attempt to stop the electoral vote count. This represents a trend of overtly violent political extremism, which has included a mass shooting in Buffalo and an attack on the husband of Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House. Political extremism isn’t limited to the United States. A ProPublica article published not long after the insurrection outlined a growing international network of right-wing extremists. It’s been happening for years. While the world focused on Islamic extremism following 9/11, right-wing extremism grew fairly unhindered .

#13. Cybersecurity threats

According to the WEF’s Global Risks Report 2022 , cybersecurity vulnerabilities are a major concern. In wake of the pandemic, many economies underwent rapid digitalization. While useful, that has increased the risk of cyberattacks. 2022 saw some significant attacks, including in Costa Rica, where a cyber gang known as Conti disrupted financial operations. The Ministry of Finance was targeted, leading the country to declare a national emergency . What does this have to do with social justice? Cybersecurity is closely related to issues of privacy and safety, which are social justice issues. Who gets access to the best cybersecurity measures is also a social justice issue. As this blog post by Merritt Baer points out, cybersecurity is a wealth discrimination issue.

#14. Reproductive rights

Reproductive rights are linked to other social justice issues like gender equality, healthcare, poverty, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. While it’s not the only reproductive right, the right to abortion remains a significant concern. Worldwide, the laws vary , though many countries only allow abortion to save the mother’s life. In places like the Philippines, Iraq, Andorra, Congo, and Egypt, abortion was prohibited completely at the time of writing (2022). Abortion rights can also be taken away. In June, the US Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, saying that abortion was not a constitutional right. In an even more concerning move, some states are already targeting birth control .

#15. Racism

Racism takes many forms, but it remains a persistent social justice issue. Throughout 2020, a wave of anti-Asian hate crimes surged around the world. An article in Time collected various statistics from places like New Zealand, which found that 54% of Chinese survey participants had experienced discrimination. In the UK, hate crimes against Chinese, East, and South East Asians rose by as much as 300% compared to data from 2018 and 2019. Racism against Black people is still prevalent, too. The National Urban League released its annual report in 2022 , reporting that while Black Americans made economic and health gains, white people were still ahead in education, social justice, and civic engagement. These are just two examples of racism and why it needs to be addressed.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Addressing Racism and Social Injustice

• Posted June 16, 2020
• By Emily Boudreau

In a 2015 convening, the Harvard Graduate School of Education asked, “What strategies can educators use to promote justice, fairness, tolerance, and genuine communication in our schools and society?” The discussion came eight months after Michael Brown, an 18-year-old black male, was killed by a white police office in Ferguson, Missouri, sparking a campaign to confront racism and police violence. The conversation was moderated by Professor Paul Reville , director of the Education Redesign Lab , with panelists Tiffany Anderson, then the superintendent of the Jennings School District in Missouri; Tracey Benson , Ed.L.D.’16, now an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte; Ni’Cole Gipson, parent and social media activist; and Valeria Silva, former superintendent of St. Paul (Minnesota) Public Schools — all of whom offered insights on issues of race, inequality, and justice that resonate strongly today, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.

Here are a few highlights from that discussion.

How Tiffany Anderson amplified student voice to make a difference

The Jennings District is directly outside of Ferguson. In the days following the murder of Michael Brown, Anderson found a way to bring her students together and provided them with the resources they needed to advocate for themselves and their communities. Here, she talks about that experience.

Tracey Benson on why schools are uniquely positioned to effect change and start the conversation

Schools play a role in perpetuating systemic racism and inequality. Benson explains why schools also may have the power to disrupt that very system.  

Ni’Cole Gipson on why schools need to partner with families and communities to promote justice

Gipson and other parents worked to create safe and loving spaces for Ferguson’s students. Here, she talks about her experience as a parent and the ways in which schools might better support the conversations she, as a black woman in America, needs to have with her son.

Valeria Silva on the work school personnel and leadership must do to pave the way for discussion

Racism often goes unnoticed because it’s engrained in the system of schooling. Silva talks about the work teachers and school leaders must do to be consciously anti-racist and uproot discriminatory practices.

Additional Resources

• Harvard EdCast: Notes from Ferguson
• Exploring the historical roots of the enduring segregation that undermines urban schools.
• Harvard EdCast: Unconscious Bias in Schools

Usable Knowledge

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A pandemic that disproportionately affected communities of color, roadblocks that obstructed efforts to expand the franchise and protect voting discrimination, a growing movement to push anti-racist curricula out of schools – events over the past year have only underscored how prevalent systemic racism and bias is in America today.

What can be done to dismantle centuries of discrimination in the U.S.? How can a more equitable society be achieved? What makes racism such a complicated problem to solve? Black History Month is a time marked for honoring and reflecting on the experience of Black Americans, and it is also an opportunity to reexamine our nation’s deeply embedded racial problems and the possible solutions that could help build a more equitable society.

Stanford scholars are tackling these issues head-on in their research from the perspectives of history, education, law and other disciplines. For example, historian Clayborne Carson is working to preserve and promote the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and religious studies scholar Lerone A. Martin has joined Stanford to continue expanding access and opportunities to learn from King’s teachings; sociologist Matthew Clair is examining how the criminal justice system can end a vicious cycle involving the disparate treatment of Black men; and education scholar Subini Ancy Annamma is studying ways to make education more equitable for historically marginalized students.

Learn more about these efforts and other projects examining racism and discrimination in areas like health and medicine, technology and the workplace below.

Update: Jan. 27, 2023: This story was originally published on Feb. 16, 2021, and has been updated on a number of occasions to include new content.

Understanding the impact of racism; advancing justice

One of the hardest elements of advancing racial justice is helping everyone understand the ways in which they are involved in a system or structure that perpetuates racism, according to Stanford legal scholar Ralph Richard Banks.

“The starting point for the center is the recognition that racial inequality and division have long been the fault line of American society. Thus, addressing racial inequity is essential to sustaining our nation, and furthering its democratic aspirations,” said Banks , the Jackson Eli Reynolds Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and co-founder of the Stanford Center for Racial Justice .

This sentiment was echoed by Stanford researcher Rebecca Hetey . One of the obstacles in solving inequality is people’s attitudes towards it, Hetey said. “One of the barriers of reducing inequality is how some people justify and rationalize it.”

How people talk about race and stereotypes matters. Here is some of that scholarship.

For Black Americans, COVID-19 is quickly reversing crucial economic gains

Research co-authored by SIEPR’s Peter Klenow and Chad Jones measures the welfare gap between Black and white Americans and provides a way to analyze policies to narrow the divide.

How an ‘impact mindset’ unites activists of different races

A new study finds that people’s involvement with Black Lives Matter stems from an impulse that goes beyond identity.

For democracy to work, racial inequalities must be addressed

The Stanford Center for Racial Justice is taking a hard look at the policies perpetuating systemic racism in America today and asking how we can imagine a more equitable society.

The psychological toll of George Floyd’s murder

As the nation mourned the death of George Floyd, more Black Americans than white Americans felt angry or sad – a finding that reveals the racial disparities of grief.

Seven factors contributing to American racism

Of the seven factors the researchers identified, perhaps the most insidious is passivism or passive racism, which includes an apathy toward systems of racial advantage or denial that those systems even exist.

Scholars reflect on Black history

Humanities and social sciences scholars reflect on “Black history as American history” and its impact on their personal and professional lives.

The history of Black History Month

It's February, so many teachers and schools are taking time to celebrate Black History Month. According to Stanford historian Michael Hines, there are still misunderstandings and misconceptions about the past, present, and future of the celebration.

Numbers about inequality don’t speak for themselves

In a new research paper, Stanford scholars Rebecca Hetey and Jennifer Eberhardt propose new ways to talk about racial disparities that exist across society, from education to health care and criminal justice systems.

Changing how people perceive problems

Drawing on an extensive body of research, Stanford psychologist Gregory Walton lays out a roadmap to positively influence the way people think about themselves and the world around them. These changes could improve society, too.

Welfare opposition linked to threats of racial standing

Research co-authored by sociologist Robb Willer finds that when white Americans perceive threats to their status as the dominant demographic group, their resentment of minorities increases. This resentment leads to opposing welfare programs they believe will mainly benefit minority groups.

Conversations about race between Black and white friends can feel risky, but are valuable

New research about how friends approach talking about their race-related experiences with each other reveals concerns but also the potential that these conversations have to strengthen relationships and further intergroup learning.

Defusing racial bias

Research shows why understanding the source of discrimination matters.

Many white parents aren’t having ‘the talk’ about race with their kids

After George Floyd’s murder, Black parents talked about race and racism with their kids more. White parents did not and were more likely to give their kids colorblind messages.

Stereotyping makes people more likely to act badly

Even slight cues, like reading a negative stereotype about your race or gender, can have an impact.

Why white people downplay their individual racial privileges

Research shows that white Americans, when faced with evidence of racial privilege, deny that they have benefited personally.

Clayborne Carson: Looking back at a legacy

Stanford historian Clayborne Carson reflects on a career dedicated to studying and preserving the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

How race influences, amplifies backlash against outspoken women

When women break gender norms, the most negative reactions may come from people of the same race.

Examining disparities in education

Scholar Subini Ancy Annamma is studying ways to make education more equitable for historically marginalized students. Annamma’s research examines how schools contribute to the criminalization of Black youths by creating a culture of punishment that penalizes Black children more harshly than their white peers for the same behavior. Her work shows that youth of color are more likely to be closely watched, over-represented in special education, and reported to and arrested by police.

“These are all ways in which schools criminalize Black youth,” she said. “Day after day, these things start to sediment.”

That’s why Annamma has identified opportunities for teachers and administrators to intervene in these unfair practices. Below is some of that research, from Annamma and others.

New ‘Segregation Index’ shows American schools remain highly segregated by race, ethnicity, and economic status

Researchers at Stanford and USC developed a new tool to track neighborhood and school segregation in the U.S.

New evidence shows that school poverty shapes racial achievement gaps

Racial segregation leads to growing achievement gaps – but it does so entirely through differences in school poverty, according to new research from education Professor Sean Reardon, who is launching a new tool to help educators, parents and policymakers examine education trends by race and poverty level nationwide.

School closures intensify gentrification in Black neighborhoods nationwide

An analysis of census and school closure data finds that shuttering schools increases gentrification – but only in predominantly Black communities.

Ninth-grade ethnic studies helped students for years, Stanford researchers find

A new study shows that students assigned to an ethnic studies course had longer-term improvements in attendance and graduation rates.

Teaching about racism

Stanford sociologist Matthew Snipp discusses ways to educate students about race and ethnic relations in America.

Stanford scholar uncovers an early activist’s fight to get Black history into schools

In a new book, Assistant Professor Michael Hines chronicles the efforts of a Chicago schoolteacher in the 1930s who wanted to remedy the portrayal of Black history in textbooks of the time.

How disability intersects with race

Professor Alfredo J. Artiles discusses the complexities in creating inclusive policies for students with disabilities.

Access to program for black male students lowered dropout rates

New research led by Stanford education professor Thomas S. Dee provides the first evidence of effectiveness for a district-wide initiative targeted at black male high school students.

How school systems make criminals of Black youth

Stanford education professor Subini Ancy Annamma talks about the role schools play in creating a culture of punishment against Black students.

Reducing racial disparities in school discipline

Stanford psychologists find that brief exercises early in middle school can improve students’ relationships with their teachers, increase their sense of belonging and reduce teachers’ reports of discipline issues among black and Latino boys.

Science lessons through a different lens

In his new book, Science in the City, Stanford education professor Bryan A. Brown helps bridge the gap between students’ culture and the science classroom.

Teachers more likely to label black students as troublemakers, Stanford research shows

Stanford psychologists Jennifer Eberhardt and Jason Okonofua experimentally examined the psychological processes involved when teachers discipline black students more harshly than white students.

Why we need Black teachers

Travis Bristol, MA '04, talks about what it takes for schools to hire and retain teachers of color.

Understanding racism in the criminal justice system

Research has shown that time and time again, inequality is embedded into all facets of the criminal justice system. From being arrested to being charged, convicted and sentenced, people of color – particularly Black men – are disproportionately targeted by the police.

“So many reforms are needed: police accountability, judicial intervention, reducing prosecutorial power and increasing resources for public defenders are places we can start,” said sociologist Matthew Clair . “But beyond piecemeal reforms, we need to continue having critical conversations about transformation and the role of the courts in bringing about the abolition of police and prisons.”

Clair is one of several Stanford scholars who have examined the intersection of race and the criminal process and offered solutions to end the vicious cycle of racism. Here is some of that work.

Police Facebook posts disproportionately highlight crimes involving Black suspects, study finds

Researchers examined crime-related posts from 14,000 Facebook pages maintained by U.S. law enforcement agencies and found that Facebook users are exposed to posts that overrepresent Black suspects by 25% relative to local arrest rates.

Supporting students involved in the justice system

New data show that a one-page letter asking a teacher to support a youth as they navigate the difficult transition from juvenile detention back to school can reduce the likelihood that the student re-offends.

Race and mass criminalization in the U.S.

Stanford sociologist discusses how race and class inequalities are embedded in the American criminal legal system.

New Stanford research lab explores incarcerated students’ educational paths

Associate Professor Subini Annamma examines the policies and practices that push marginalized students out of school and into prisons.

Derek Chauvin verdict important, but much remains to be done

Stanford scholars Hakeem Jefferson, Robert Weisberg and Matthew Clair weigh in on the Derek Chauvin verdict, emphasizing that while the outcome is important, much work remains to be done to bring about long-lasting justice.

A ‘veil of darkness’ reduces racial bias in traffic stops

After analyzing 95 million traffic stop records, filed by officers with 21 state patrol agencies and 35 municipal police forces from 2011 to 2018, researchers concluded that “police stops and search decisions suffer from persistent racial bias.”

Stanford big data study finds racial disparities in Oakland, Calif., police behavior, offers solutions

Analyzing thousands of data points, the researchers found racial disparities in how Oakland officers treated African Americans on routine traffic and pedestrian stops. They suggest 50 measures to improve police-community relations.

Race and the death penalty

As questions about racial bias in the criminal justice system dominate the headlines, research by Stanford law Professor John J. Donohue III offers insight into one of the most fraught areas: the death penalty.

Diagnosing disparities in health, medicine

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color and has highlighted the health disparities between Black Americans, whites and other demographic groups.

As Iris Gibbs , professor of radiation oncology and associate dean of MD program admissions, pointed out at an event sponsored by Stanford Medicine: “We need more sustained attention and real action towards eliminating health inequities, educating our entire community and going beyond ‘allyship,’ because that one fizzles out. We really do need people who are truly there all the way.”

Below is some of that research as well as solutions that can address some of the disparities in the American healthcare system.

Stanford researchers testing ways to improve clinical trial diversity

The American Heart Association has provided funding to two Stanford Medicine professors to develop ways to diversify enrollment in heart disease clinical trials.

Striking inequalities in maternal and infant health

Research by SIEPR’s Petra Persson and Maya Rossin-Slater finds wealthy Black mothers and infants in the U.S. fare worse than the poorest white mothers and infants.

More racial diversity among physicians would lead to better health among black men

A clinical trial in Oakland by Stanford researchers found that black men are more likely to seek out preventive care after being seen by black doctors compared to non-black doctors.

A better measuring stick: Algorithmic approach to pain diagnosis could eliminate racial bias

Traditional approaches to pain management don’t treat all patients the same. AI could level the playing field.

5 questions: Alice Popejoy on race, ethnicity and ancestry in science

Alice Popejoy, a postdoctoral scholar who studies biomedical data sciences, speaks to the role – and pitfalls – of race, ethnicity and ancestry in research.

Stanford Medicine community calls for action against racial injustice, inequities

The event at Stanford provided a venue for health care workers and students to express their feelings about violence against African Americans and to voice their demands for change.

Racial disparity remains in heart-transplant mortality rates, Stanford study finds

African-American heart transplant patients have had persistently higher mortality rates than white patients, but exactly why still remains a mystery.

Finding the COVID-19 Victims that Big Data Misses

Widely used virus tracking data undercounts older people and people of color. Scholars propose a solution to this demographic bias.

Studying how racial stressors affect mental health

Farzana Saleem, an assistant professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education, is interested in the way Black youth and other young people of color navigate adolescence—and the racial stressors that can make the journey harder.

Infants’ race influences quality of hospital care in California

Disparities exist in how babies of different racial and ethnic origins are treated in California’s neonatal intensive care units, but this could be changed, say Stanford researchers.

Immigrants don’t move state-to-state in search of health benefits

When states expand public health insurance to include low-income, legal immigrants, it does not lead to out-of-state immigrants moving in search of benefits.

Excess mortality rates early in pandemic highest among Blacks

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been starkly uneven across race, ethnicity and geography, according to a new study led by SHP's Maria Polyakova.

Decoding bias in media, technology

Driving Artificial Intelligence are machine learning algorithms, sets of rules that tell a computer how to solve a problem, perform a task and in some cases, predict an outcome. These predictive models are based on massive datasets to recognize certain patterns, which according to communication scholar Angele Christin , sometimes come flawed with human bias . 

“Technology changes things, but perhaps not always as much as we think,” Christin said. “Social context matters a lot in shaping the actual effects of the technological tools. […] So, it’s important to understand that connection between humans and machines.”

Below is some of that research, as well as other ways discrimination unfolds across technology, in the media, and ways to counteract it.

IRS disproportionately audits Black taxpayers

A Stanford collaboration with the Department of the Treasury yields the first direct evidence of differences in audit rates by race.

Automated speech recognition less accurate for blacks

The disparity likely occurs because such technologies are based on machine learning systems that rely heavily on databases of English as spoken by white Americans.

New algorithm trains AI to avoid bad behaviors

Robots, self-driving cars and other intelligent machines could become better-behaved thanks to a new way to help machine learning designers build AI applications with safeguards against specific, undesirable outcomes such as racial and gender bias.

Stanford scholar analyzes responses to algorithms in journalism, criminal justice

In a recent study, assistant professor of communication Angèle Christin finds a gap between intended and actual uses of algorithmic tools in journalism and criminal justice fields.

Move responsibly and think about things

In the course CS 181: Computers, Ethics and Public Policy , Stanford students become computer programmers, policymakers and philosophers to examine the ethical and social impacts of technological innovation.

Homicide victims from Black and Hispanic neighborhoods devalued

Social scientists found that homicide victims killed in Chicago’s predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods received less news coverage than those killed in mostly white neighborhoods.

Algorithms reveal changes in stereotypes

New Stanford research shows that, over the past century, linguistic changes in gender and ethnic stereotypes correlated with major social movements and demographic changes in the U.S. Census data.

AI Index Diversity Report: An Unmoving Needle

Stanford HAI’s 2021 AI Index reveals stalled progress in diversifying AI and a scarcity of the data needed to fix it.

Identifying discrimination in the workplace and economy

From who moves forward in the hiring process to who receives funding from venture capitalists, research has revealed how Blacks and other minority groups are discriminated against in the workplace and economy-at-large. 

“There is not one silver bullet here that you can walk away with. Hiring and retention with respect to employee diversity are complex problems,” said Adina Sterling , associate professor of organizational behavior at the Graduate School of Business (GSB). 

Sterling has offered a few places where employers can expand employee diversity at their companies. For example, she suggests hiring managers track data about their recruitment methods and the pools that result from those efforts, as well as examining who they ultimately hire.

Here is some of that insight.

How To: Use a Scorecard to Evaluate People More Fairly

A written framework is an easy way to hold everyone to the same standard.

Archiving Black histories of Silicon Valley

A new collection at Stanford Libraries will highlight Black Americans who helped transform California’s Silicon Valley region into a hub for innovation, ideas.

Race influences professional investors’ judgments

In their evaluations of high-performing venture capital funds, professional investors rate white-led teams more favorably than they do black-led teams with identical credentials, a new Stanford study led by Jennifer L. Eberhardt finds.

Who moves forward in the hiring process?

People whose employment histories include part-time, temporary help agency or mismatched work can face challenges during the hiring process, according to new research by Stanford sociologist David Pedulla.

How emotions may result in hiring, workplace bias

Stanford study suggests that the emotions American employers are looking for in job candidates may not match up with emotions valued by jobseekers from some cultural backgrounds – potentially leading to hiring bias.

Do VCs really favor white male founders?

A field experiment used fake emails to measure gender and racial bias among startup investors.

Can you spot diversity? (Probably not)

New research shows a “spillover effect” that might be clouding your judgment.

Can job referrals improve employee diversity?

New research looks at how referrals impact promotions of minorities and women.

10 Stories about Race & Social Justice from 2020

Our 2020 Year in Review series of lists – beginning with “ 10 Pieces of COVID-19 News We All Paid Attention to in 2020 ” and later “ 10 Election Stories That Kept Us Sane in 2020 ” – spotlights Harris news, accomplishments, and perspectives from across our community in a year unlike any other.

2020 brought on a reckoning in the United States and around the globe on the topic of racial justice and the importance of diversity and inclusion to advancing social progress. Here are some of the stories from around the Harris community that we paid attention to:

1. Fighting inequality with the Harris toolkit

When Harin Contractor, MPP’08, started college at the University of Georgia in 2000, he wasn’t politically or policy-inclined – until 9/11 happened, changing his trajectory forever and making him aware of his privilege. Contractor received the 2020 Alumni Award at the Minorities in Public Policy Studies (MiPPS) Alumni Gala this fall.

2. Celebrating Black Action in Public Policy Studies (BAPPS)

Black Action in Public Policy Studies (BAPPS) was founded by four Black women in 2017 because there needed to be more intention in the creation of Black spaces at the Harris School of Public Policy. This is their story.

3. Race, the wealth gap, and income shocks

Using a dataset linking bank account data with voter registration records containing race and ethnicity, Associate Professor Damon Jones , Assistant Professor Peter Ganong , and coauthors were able to examine, with unprecedented levels of specificity , the spending behaviors of households, and to examine how self-reported Black, Hispanic, and white households behave differently when faced with sudden income reductions.

4. Feminism’s racial blind spots

With a goal toward “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable,” Mikki Kendall turned her signs to feminism’s racial blind spots in Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot , a collection of essays weaving history, social science, and the harsh world around us into stories of Kendall’s own life. Harris Public Policy hosted Kendall for a discussion of Hood Feminism and her extraordinary journey.

5. Black leaders share their stories

Valerie Jarrett and Helene Gayle shared their stories at the Harris Policy Forum in February 2020. We learned of Skyla Hearn (CLA’20) and her journey as an archivist and activist on Chicago’s South Side. And we heard from Nikki Giovanni, who told us, “ you cannot let the world change you .”

6. Fines and fees

Working with Senior Lecturer Paula Worthington , the Center for Justice & Safety Finance at PFM has released an expert study from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy that includes best practices for reforming the policies that dictate criminal justice system fines and fees, which disproportionately affect Black and Latinx communities.

7. Hispanic roots

As a part of Harris Public Policy's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, our HR team sat down with Assistant Professor Austin L. Wright to discuss his Mexican-American community roots , among other faculty and staff. And in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, the Latinx Heritage Month Committee offered, in collaboration with Harris and I-House, the annual ¡Pachanga! , an evening of music performances from influential Chicago artists. Although the year presented many challenges, the organizers remained committed to continue this tradition virtually with evening filled with song, dance, and inspiration.

8. A Human Rights Commissioner in our midst

Barbara Barreno-Paschall, MPP’17 , could have ended her LinkedIn profile headline after the first three words: Human Rights Commissioner. Appointed by Governor JB Pritzker in 2019, she’s among Illinois’ first seven full-time commissioners, a heady role in which she’s tasked with resolving discrimination complaints under the state Human Rights Act.

9. How do our textbooks affect our students?

New research by Harris Assistant Professor Anjali Adukia and Alex Eble , assistant professor at Columbia University's graduate school of education, Teachers College , will explore how messages about gender and race in elementary school textbooks can influence children’s beliefs in their own abilities and their subsequent educational decisions.

10. A renewed commitment to D&I

Katherine Baicker , dean and Emmett Dedmon Professor at Harris Public Policy, announced the release of the Harris D&I Roadmap , the school’s first-ever strategic plan for diversity and inclusion, as well as a new D&I website housing the roadmap, action steps, progress updates, and more. In addition, Michelle Hoereth was also named to the new, leadership-level position as Harris' first Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion.

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Social Work in an Era of Social Injustice

Now more than ever, social workers must strive to enact social justice..

Posted June 4, 2018

I showed up for work on November 9, 2016, expecting that my job would never be the same. The months to come have shown this to be true. The undocumented population we serve lives in near-constant fear . Patients who receive food stamps have asked me when they will start to receive their food boxes and I have to explain that no one really expects them to do that, they just wanted to demonstrate how little they care for those who struggle to buy groceries. The rising tides of intolerance have further depressed many of them, whether they are Black, Latinx, gay, or a member of some other people group that Trump has managed to insult ( the count should reach 650 by the end of his first term ).

I, on the other hand, am doing fine. Of course I am; I’m a straight white Christian male. While I have often reacted in disgust to the President’s racist discourse, it has had a minimal impact upon my own life. One of the core ethical principles of social work is social justice; the NASW Code of Ethics states that “social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers' social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination , and other forms of social injustice.” What does it mean to be an agent of social change in an era of social injustice?

The history of social work offers two differing answers to this question. One of the antecedents of my profession were upper-class women known as “friendly visitors” who visited the poor in their homes and sought to help the poor “through moral persuasion and personal example.” Around the same time period, other groups were forming settlement houses to live among the poor and focused more upon the environmental factors that made them poor and kept them that way. The most famous settlement house, Jane Addams’ Hull House, is located just three miles away from where I practice, and Addams and other members of Hull House were instrumental in founding my alma mater, the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago.

Elements of both models continue to the present. Some social workers do casework, visiting individuals in their homes to link them to necessary services. At times this involves working for or alongside the government such as with the Department of Children and Family Services. Others focus more on policy, whether they practice at the macro level and participate in policy formation or push for more fairness and equality in their communities. Both are “real” social work, and they’re also not discrete categories; it’s possible to take a little from this one and a little from that one to shape one’s approach (social workers are nothing if not flexible).

In an era of rising inequality, the temptation towards merely being a “friendly visitor” looms large. It is much easier to offer some kind words or material goods rather than really be present with those who are suffering and begin to ask the hard questions about what made them that way. A core tenet of therapeutic work is neutrality; my patients aren’t supposed to know my political opinions and biases. This remains vital in some cases; my progressive intern who is returning to her deeply red state in the South probably wouldn’t make much of an impact if she loudly aired her beliefs to her clients. In settings such as mine, however, neutrality is no longer an option. As Howard Zinn once said, “you can’t be neutral on a moving train.” Clients already assume they know my political beliefs; when someone I’ve worked with for awhile mentioned being concerned about Trump and I told her that I was too, she was visibly taken aback. “You mean you’re not a Republican?” she asked. I told her no and asked her what had given her that impression. She gestured at my clothing and smirked.

There are ways in which we can and should leave our work at work. It wouldn’t be healthy to think exhaustively about one’s patients while at home and could quickly cause burnout . At the same time, now more than ever social workers need to be politically active. This can take a variety of forms: attending marches, participating in political campaigns, calling one’s elected officials. As I tell my interns, being politically involved isn’t just another part of our commitment to social justice but also works as self-care. It’s easy to lose hope in the face of the profound injustices we confront daily. Trying to be a part of the solution, even in small ways, is one way to fight against that hopelessness. And, as we know, silence and inaction always favor the aggressor, never the victim.

I continue to think about what my commitment to social justice looks like in my practice. For me it has mostly taken the form of writing, whether it’s this blog or articles on the dangers of Jordan Peterson and the Midwest’s history of lynchings , among others. Of course the answer will be different to different people. In an era where many of our supposed leaders are profoundly unethical, it’s more important than ever to maintain the core values of our profession. Social justice isn’t just a thing social workers do; it’s who we are.

Jonathan Foiles, LCSW , is a therapist who works at a community mental health clinic in Chicago.

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Racial injustice

The larger the nonprofit, the more likely it is run by a white man, says new Candid diversity report

Florida deputy’s killing of Black airman renews debate on police killings and race

‘Where’s Ronald Greene’s justice?': 5 years on, feds still silent on Black motorist’s deadly arrest

Supporters, opponents of Minnesota trooper charged with murder confront each other at courthouse

Minneapolis approves $150K settlement for witness to George Floyd’s murder

Paramedic who injected Elijah McClain with ketamine before his death avoids prison

3 Northern California law enforcement officers charged in death of man held facedown on the ground

Family of Minnesota man shot to death by state trooper in traffic stop files civil rights lawsuit

At least 11 Minneapolis officers disciplined amid unrest after George Floyd’s murder, reports show

Officer hired as sheriff’s deputy despite involvement in fatal Manuel Ellis arrest resigns

Key findings from AP’s investigation into police force that isn’t supposed to be lethal

This is how reporters documented 1,000 deaths after police force that isn’t supposed to be fatal

Why did more than 1,000 people die after police subdued them with force that isn’t meant to kill?

Relatives of Tyre Nichols, George Floyd and Eric Garner say lack of police reform is frustrating

A small town suspended its entire police force. Residents want to know why

Minnesota is poised to give school resource officers clearer authority to use force

Paramedic gets 5 years in prison for Elijah McClain’s death in rare case against medical responders

Law enforcement in schools dominates 1st day of the Minnesota Legislature’s 2024 session

Finding meaning in George Floyd’s death through protest art left at his murder site

Minneapolis settles lawsuit alleging journalists were harassed, hurt covering Floyd protests

The debate over Native American mascots persists as some schools reinstate the logos

Minnesota trooper accused of fatally shooting motorist Ricky Cobb II makes first court appearance

Seattle will pay $10 million to protesters who said police used excessive force during 2020 protests

Police reports and video released of campus officer kneeling on teen near Las Vegas high school

Prosecutors urge rejection of ex-cop’s bid to dismiss civil rights conviction in George Floyd murder

Supreme Court rejects appeal by ex-officer Tou Thao, who held back crowd as George Floyd lay dying

Ex-cop gets 14 months in jail in death of Elijah McClain, whose mom calls him ‘bully with a badge’

Missouri school board to reinstate black history classes with new curriculum.

Paramedics were convicted in Elijah McClain’s death. That could make other first responders pause

Missouri school board that previously rescinded anti-racism resolution drops Black history classes

California’s top prosecutor won’t seek charges in 2020 fatal police shooting of Bay Area man

Louisiana State Police reinstate trooper accused of withholding video in Black man’s deadly arrest

Closing arguments start in trial of 3 Washington state police officers charged in Black man’s death

Arkansas man sentenced to 5 1/2 years for firebombing police cars during 2020 protests.

High-profile attacks on Derek Chauvin and Larry Nassar put spotlight on violence in federal prisons

150 Social Justice Essay Topics & Examples

⭐ top 10 social justice issues to write about, 🏆 best social justice topic ideas & essay examples, ⭐ simple & easy social justice essay titles, 📌 most interesting social justice topics to write about, 👍 good social justice research topics, ❓ research questions about social justice.

Social justice essays are an excellent tool for demonstrating your awareness of the current issues in society.

Inequality in society should be addressed, and social justice advocates are at the forefront of such initiatives. Everyone should be able to achieve their goals and dreams if they put in the effort, assuming of course that reaching that target is at all possible.

To that end, you should ask various social justice essay questions and investigate different situations, particularly those that surround marginalized communities.

While the civil rights movement has succeeded in eliminating discriminatory policies and gender segregation, people should remain vigilant so that inequality again.

There are many topics you can discuss in your essay, but is better to focus on something specific and conduct a detailed investigation. It is easy to take some examples of data that shows a situation that seems unequal and declare that the system is flawed.

However, the data may be inaccurate, and the causes may be different from what you initially perceive them to be. Many fields will be too small for statistic laws to apply, and so there will be a temporary prevalence of people with a specific trait.

Declarations of premature conclusions and calls to action based on these conjectures are not productive and will generally lead to harm.

Be sure to consider evidence from both sides when discussing the topic of injustice, especially in its sensitive applications.

The case of police officers and the racial disparity in arrests is a prominent example, as there is significant disagreement, and neither side can be considered entirely correct.

At other times, unequal treatments may be explained by racial and gender differences without the application of discriminatory practices, particularly with regards to cultural practices.

The importance of justice is above debate, but it is not always about declaring one side correct while the other is wrong and at fault. Humanity operates best when it is unified and follows the same purpose of fairness.

Lastly, try to avoid confusing equality with equity, as the two social justice essay topics are significantly different. The former involves similar starting conditions and opportunities for all people, though they will likely achieve varying successes in life.

The latter means equality of outcomes, meaning that the unsuccessful receive support, which logically has to come at the expense of those who succeed.

You may support either position, with equality being a more traditional concept that seems logical to many people and equity being considered effective at improving the conditions of marginalized communities. However, make your position clear, as the difference is critical and informs your personal concept of social justice.

Here are some additional tips for your paper:

• Separate the points you make in your essay with social justice essay titles. These titles will help the reader navigate the paper and understand your main claims.
• Try to introduce original ideas instead of contributing to ongoing debates. An essay does not allow enough space to let you add something that will change the situation to such discussions.
• The topic of social justice is inherently political, as most suggestions will involve policy-level changes. However, you should try to distance yourself from politics and work with factual information.

Visit IvyPanda to find more social justice essay examples and other useful paper samples to boost your creative process!

• Unemployment.
• Global Warming.
• School Shooting.
• Income Inequality.
• Global Pandemic.
• Social Security.
• Racial & LGBTQ Discrimination.
• Mental Health Stigma.
• Famine and Starvation.
• Discrimination in Voting.
• Social Justice in Education With a clear distinction between justice taught in class and justice allowed to thrive in the school environments, teachers can be able to observe how their students perceive and response to social injustices in the […]
• Advocating for Social Justice in Healthcare However, health care is also often related to the idea of social justice a term that describes the allocation of resources and benefits to people according to their needs and abilities.
• Promoting Social Justice Through Serving God Therefore, serving God in action correlates with the promotion of social justice and reflects the importance of Christian teachings about kindness towards others.
• Social Justice: The Catholic’s Social Teachings on Justice The church also seeks to instill value in the prisoners’ lives through teachings and practices that accept prisoners as people who deserve to be treated with dignity.
• Social Justice and Mental Health However, it is difficult to imagine the U.S.taking nationwide action on mental health due to the absence of healthcare for physical health, which is widely accepted as a serious issue.
• Jay-Z’s Contribution to Hip-Hop and Fight for Social Justice One should admit that the crime rate among black people in some poor areas is really quite high, and that is another problem Jay-Z covers in his music.
• Freedom and Social Justice Through Technology These two remarkable minds have made significant contributions to the debates on technology and how it relates to liberty and social justice.
• Factors of Strategic Management of Social Justice Starting to talk about economic and technological changes that affect the sector of social justice, it is possible to observe tendencies of the level of development of the country from social policy.
• Social Justice from a Philosophical Perspective Although their theories of justice were significant, they would not have existed without Plato’s influence and the contribution that their ideas of justice have made to political philosophy.
• Social Justice in the Modern World The main link in social relations is a measure of social justice, a derivative of the equality of people’s opportunities to realize their potential.
• Social Justice Quotes from “The Wife’s Lament” by Beck “never worse than now ever I suffer the torment of my exile”.”that man’s kinsmen began to think in secret that they would separate us” “so we would live far apart in the world” “My lord […]
• Social Justice in Counseling Psychology The other barrier which is likely to arise in the process of integrating social justice in the workplace is legal and ethical issues.
• Social Justice and Vulnerability Theories When the country’s economic analyzers assess the status of the economy, the older people are regarded as the first group of the population that is pulling the economy backward because they are entirely dependent.
• Social Justice in Social Work Practice The moral approach of social work is fundamentally based on the idea of social justice. Despite the numerous risks associated with advocating for social justice, criticizing injustice is one of the few courageous ways to […]
• Journal Editors’ Role Regarding Social Justice Issues Journal editors can involve professionals from social justice forums such as civil rights lawyers in their journals as well as reduce the complexity of the presentation of social justice article contents.
• Researching the Concept of Social Justice A special kind of justice is social justice, the subjects of which are large social groups, society as a whole, and humanity.
• The Role of Quilting in the African American Striving for Social Justice Perhaps quilting has become not only one of the symbols of African American national culture but also a way in which many black women have become visible and significant.
• Social Justice and Importing Foreign Nurses Evaluation Given the lag between the submission of the article and its publication, it means that these sources most likely reflect the situation with the recruitment of foreign-educated nurses by the end of the 2000s.
• Promoting Social Justice With Head Start Program This essay will discuss the role of the Head Start program in the promotion of social justice in the US, focusing on the values taught to the children and the activities that constitute the program.
• Religion, Politics, and Social Justice Organized religions want to change and implement rebranding to fit the new trend, concentrating on social justice in general rather than the individual spiritual aspirations of a person or a family.
• Social Justice and Its Relevance in This Century To put the issue in perspective, he references the civil rights movement of the 1960s and juxtaposes it against the fact that the US had a black president.
• Social Justice Arts as a Remedy for People The work led to the formation of the movement called Black Lives Matter which calls for an end to oppressing black people through law enforcement.
• Social Justice, Diversity and Workplace Discrimination It also includes the fair distribution of the national wealth and resources among all citizens and the unbiased treatment of all individuals.
• Social Justice: Why Do Violations Happen? If there is social inequality in a society, it must be corrected to serve the interests of the most oppressed groups of the population.
• Social Justice From the Biblical Point of View Furthermore, all oppressed and poor people are considered to be “righteous” in the Bible because it “is a reflection of God’s faithful love in action and his desire for justice and righteousness in this world”.
• Definition of Social Justice and Social Justice in Leadership They should evaluate the situation, identify areas that need improvement and develop a plan to support the achievement of social justice.
• Community Engagement and Social Justice Promotion Furthermore, as social justice is integrated into the curriculum, I would like to participate in practice-oriented assignments and class discussions to make a meaningful change.
• Social Justice Leadership and Supervision While the concepts of leadership and supervision tend to be referenced within the clinical contend and primarily apply to the responsibilities of the professionals in mental institutions, the issues articulated in the article and chapters […]
• Uganda’s Economic Planning and Social Justice On the eastern, it borders Kenya, North is Southern Sudan, to the west is DRC and to the southwest is Rwanda, while to the South is Tanzania.
• Rise of Mental Social Justice It relates to the social justice leadership in clinical and supervisory practice in mental health settings by challenging the modern tenets of managerialism and neoliberalism.
• Social Justice in the US Healthcare System Social justice is a relatively broad concept, the interpretation of which often depends on the political and economic views of an individual.
• Conceptualizing Supervision in Search of Social Justice Based on these findings, it could be concluded that Social justice leadership is meant to become the remedy and the ideological, political, and medical opponent of the dominant positivist biomedical paradigm.
• Researching HIV, AIDS and Social Justice Disney claims that poverty and social injustice lead to the spread of HIV/AIDS among underprivileged people in all countries. The disease was a kind of stigma and infected people were subjected to discrimination and alienation.
• Equal Pay Convention Ratified by New Zealand and Ensuring Social Justice This paper seeks to identify whether the ratification of the International Labour Organisation equal pay for an equal value of work Convention by New Zealand delivered social justice to the women in the New Zealand […]
• Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Social Justice on Health in the US In the video, Richard David and James Collins have determined that racism, inappropriate social policies, and chronic stress are major social factors that lead to the delivery of low-weight babies among African American women.
• Social Justice Perspective Thus public health deals not only with the guarantee of a long healthy life but also regulate and control the death rate, try to expand the life interval, and other things that the policy of […]
• Deaf Youth: Social Justice Through Media and Activism The Deaf Youth USA for instance strives to educate, inspire, and empower the deaf youth to make difference in the communities.
• Re-Examining Criminal and Social Justice Systems: Reducing Incarceration Rates in the US The changes in criminal justice policy over the past decades and the alteration of the same from one of rehabilitative and social justice to one of retributive justice and increasing reliance on imprisonment as a […]
• Social Justice and Ethics: Beneficiaries of U.S. Welfare Programs In United States the beneficiaries include the poor, the old, the disabled, survivors, farmers, corporations and any other individual who may be eligible.
• Social Justice and Feminism in America So as to make a change in this situation, the feminists in America took efforts to improve the condition of women.
• Equality of Opportunity and Social Justice: Affirmative Action If this is the situation in advanced nations of the world, the plight in the newly emerging states in Africa, Asia, and Latin America can easily be imagined as to how difficult would it be […]
• Christianity Religion and Asian World: Social Justice It was also said that the greatest botched opportunity in all church history was in the 1260s the court of the great Kublai Khan asked the Polos when they returned to Italy in 1269 to […]
• Social Justice for Indigenous Women in Canada However, the problem of social justice or, to be more accurate, the lack thereof becomes especially poignant when considering criminal issues and their management, as well as the factors that contribute to reducing the rates […]
• Social Justice and Educational Reform in the US People are free to develop their individual attitudes to the importance of social justice in education and leadership. Social justice may be used in the creation of job announcements, proposals, and statements to attract attention […]
• Social Justice in Quality Health Care The provision of accessible health services is necessary to minimize the health risks of the low-income households and improve their quality of life.
• What Is Social Justice? To my mind, the two most important principles of justice that should be used to govern within a just society are the selection of highly virtuous state leaders and government representatives to put in charge […]
• Social Justice: Philosophy of Employment The philosophy of empowerment supports dignity and self-worth; as such, value to all people, regardless of their status or race is an important rule of empowerment.
• American Women’s Movements for Social Justice Like Alice Walker, Deborah Gray, and Collins, Tyra Banks continues the legacy of black women since she is ready to campaign against racism, sexism, and discrimination.
• Social Justice Group Work for Homeless Young Mothers The group discussed in the article was started for the purpose of assisting residents address the problem of homelessness especially in aspects of parenting and during pregnancy periods.
• Readings for Diversity and Social Justice: An Anthology In that way, the authors noted that racial and ethnic differences tend to produce impact on lives of communities in the entirety of their aspects, and thus can aggravate other social justice issues.
• Health Care Services: Social Justice Analysis For instance, the level of poverty in the USA is on the rise, and many people simply have no funds to purchase their health insurance. In conclusion, it is possible to note that social justice […]
• Social Justice Issues: Elderly Minority Groups Students should know the peculiarities of the populations in question and should be aware of practices and services available to those patients.
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• Administrative Constitutionalism and Social Justice The current point of view at the crimes and violence is predestined by the commercial pressure applied to the mass media sources. In the majority of the cases, popular media becomes the viral source of […]
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Social Injustice: Essays in Political Philosophy

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Hugh Lazenby, Social Injustice: Essays in Political Philosophy, The Philosophical Quarterly , Volume 65, Issue 261, October 2015, Pages 865–867, https://doi.org/10.1093/pq/pqv003

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Social Injustice is a collection of thirteen essays addressing a variety of topics including methodology in applied political theory, exploitation, torture, contractarianism and democracy. Only two of the essays are previously unpublished. These sandwich the other essays. The first is a defence of the idea that social injustice is an important research topic. The last is a taxonomy of three varieties of socialism (liberal, democratic and market) and an analysis of the core values these varieties share (equality and community). As the first essay is on the theme of the book, and is supposed to connect the other essays, I will dedicate the majority of this review to it.

Much political philosophy of the past fifty years has been concerned with identifying what a socially just state should look like. Social injustice has received relatively little attention. One explanation for this is the prevalence of the view that there is nothing interesting to say about injustice other than that it occurs when justice is absent. Bufacchi's central claim is that this view, and the corresponding focus on identifying a socially just state, is mistaken. For him, injustice may arise from a number of distinct sources. In order to begin to redress injustice, we must have an account of these sources. The study of injustice should therefore be given a kind of priority over the study of justice. Or, as he puts it rather more strongly, ‘before we can say anything meaningful about social justice, it is imperative to have a clear idea of what social injustice is, and why social injustice is the paramount social problem to be resolved’ (p. 3).

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By Michelle Maiese

June 2003  

The Many Faces of Injustice

While it is difficult to give a complete and adequate definition of justice, most observers can recognize clear examples of serious injustice when they arise.[1] Such injustice comes in various forms, wherever the norms of distributive justice , procedural justice, or human rights are violated .

Some actions, such as theft and murder, are commonly recognized as unjust by governments and prohibited by domestic law. However, there are also systemic forms of injustice that may persist in a society. These traditions and structures give rise to profound injustices that can be difficult to recognize.[2] In some cases, these unfair conditions are imposed by the ruling party itself, whether it is an authoritarian government or an outside aggressor. Those in power sometimes use the state's legal and political systems to violate the political, economic, and social rights of subordinate groups.[3]

Political injustice involves the violation of individual liberties, including the denial of voting rights or due process, infringements on rights to freedom of speech or religion, and inadequate protection from cruel and unusual punishment.[4] Such injustice often stems from unfair procedures, and involves political systems in which some but not others are allowed to have voice and representation in the processes and decisions that affect them.[5] This sort of procedural injustice can contribute to serious social problems as well as political ones. If voting or litigation procedures, for example, are perceived to be unjust, any outcome they produce is liable to be unstable and produce conflict.[6] In addition, any procedures that are carried out in a biased manner are likely to contribute to problems of religious, ethnic, gender, or race discrimination. When the procedure in question has to do with employment or wages, such issues can lead to serious economic and social problems.

Economic injustice involves the state's failure to provide individuals with basic necessities of life, such as access to adequate food and housing, and its maintenance of huge discrepancies in wealth. In the most extreme cases of maldistribution, some individuals suffer from poverty while the elite of that society live in relative luxury.[7] Such injustice can stem from unfair hiring procedures, lack of available jobs and education, and insufficient health care. All of these conditions may lead individuals to believe that they have not received a "fair share" of the benefits and resources available in that society.

Even more serious than the injustices discussed above are war crimes and crimes against humanity. During wartime, individuals sometimes perform acts that violate the rules of just war set forth in international law . When soldiers engage in wars of aggression, attack non-combatants or pursue their enemies beyond what is reasonable, they commit not acts of war, but acts of murder.[8] However, these are not the only injustices associated with war and protracted conflict. Such conflict can also lead to severe human rights violations , including genocide , torture, and slavery. These crimes violate individuals' most basic rights to life and physical safety.

When political or legal institutions fail to protect individuals' fundamental rights and liberties, members of the unjustly treated group feel disempowered .[9] They are likely to view the institutions that impose such conditions as unjust, and thus find themselves in the midst of a justice conflict . If the subordinate group believes that it lacks the power to change things through political or diplomatic means, it may conclude that the only effective way to pursue justice is through violent confrontation.[10] However, such confrontations tend to produce even more injustice. In addition, because the dominant group typically has more power to inflict harm, such struggles often fail. Therefore, violence is often an ineffective way of addressing injustice, and many believe that it should be used only as a last resort.

Responding To Injustice

Many scholars and activists note that in order to truly address injustice internationally, we must strive to understand its underlying causes. These causes have to do with underdevelopment, economic pressures, various social problems, and international conditions.[11] Indeed, the roots of repression, discrimination, and other injustice stem from deeper and more complex political, social, and economic problems. It is only by understanding and ameliorating these root causes and strengthening civil society that we can truly protect human rights .

There are various ways to address the political, economic and social injustices mentioned above. Whether a response proves to be appropriate and effective depends on the nature of the grievance.

Addressing political injustice is often a matter of developing institutions of fair governance, such as an accountable police force and judiciary. Legislative action and executive decision-making should likewise be held accountable. Such measures are sometimes a matter of reforming state institutions or revising state constitutions.

In cases where some groups are excluded from political participation, the state can remedy violations of political rights by promoting political inclusion and empowering subordinate groups. Public decision-making should respond to the will of the citizens, and members of the society should have the opportunity to participate in the formulation, execution, and monitoring of state policies. In other words, a culture of political involvement and public participation should be fostered. In addition, there are various social structural changes that might give groups more social, economic, and/or political power. This is often accomplished through the strengthening of the economy and civil society in conjunction with democratization efforts. In some cases countries require outside assistance for election monitoring , nation-building programs and the development of governmental infrastructure to make their political system more stable.

Addressing systemic economic injustice is often a matter of economic reforms that give groups better access to jobs, health care, and education. In many cases, lack of access to basic services stems from enormous inequalities in resource distribution. Redistribution of benefits and resources can thus be an important component of social structural changes to remedy injustice. There are various institutional and economic development reforms that might be put in place to raise living standards and boost economic growth. In addition, by creating social and economic safety nets, states can eliminate tension and instability caused by unfair resource allocation.

For example, development of programs that provide assistance for the poor, pensions for the elderly, and training and education for workers help remedy injustice,[12] tax reform, giving workers the right to unionize and demand a fair wage, advancing ecological policies to protect and preserve the environment, and improving access to land ownership can also help in particular cases.[13]

Balancing out gross inequalities in wealth might also be part of compensatory justice after periods of war. During periods of postwar adjustment and peacebuilding efforts, long-term economic policy must aim to achieve equity, or balance in the distribution of income and wealth. Such efforts to ensure a just distribution of benefits following conflict are typically accompanied by democratization efforts to ensure a more balanced distribution of power. When neglect of economic rights stems from the destruction caused by protracted conflict, countries may require outside aid to remedy injustice and avoid future instability. Humanitarian aid and development assistance are often needed to help a society build its economic resource base and ensure that the needs of its citizens are met. Issues of distributive justice are in this way central to any reconstruction program that aims at economic vitalization and rebuilding post-war economic systems .

Responding to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity

Severe violations of basic rights to life and physical safety are sometimes enacted through government policies or inflicted during the course of warfare. It is commonly recognized that government leaders and soldiers, as well as civilians, must be held accountable for perpetrating such injustices.

International humanitarian law has been enacted to preserve humanity in all circumstances, even during conflicts. Various international committees are in place to monitor compliance with human rights standards and report any violations. When breaches occur, the perpetrators must somehow be brought to justice.

According to the notion of retributive justice , past acts of injustice or wrongdoing warrant punishment. Those who perpetrate war crimes or crimes against humanity should be brought to justice. When injustices are committed in the initiation or the conduct of warfare, retribution is typically accomplished through international courts or tribunals that carry out war crimes adjudication.

In other cases, human rights violations form part of national policy. Most believe that government officials should be held accountable for institution policies of apartheid, forced disappearance, torture, or genocide . Such breaches are typically brought to the attention of international tribunals or tried in an international court. Punishment is thought to reinforce the rules of international law and to deny those who have violated those rules any unfair advantages. In addition, many believe that punishment deters other would-be offenders from committing similar crimes in the future.

However, international law and adjudication is often insufficient to address grave injustice. When breaches do occur, they are brought to the attention of international tribunals or a war crimes tribunal . As conditions escalate in violence and more individuals are taken prisoner, tortured, or executed, it becomes more difficult to resort to the legal path.[14]

Some maintain that the vigilant observance of the international community is necessary to ensure justice.[15] Various nongovernmental organization (NGOs) , including Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists, are devoted to bringing injustice to light and pressuring governments to address the injustice. Historically, the United Nations has likewise played a central role in dealing with international justice issues.

Many maintain that massive violations of human rights, such as genocide and crimes against humanity, warrant military intervention . If, through its atrocious actions, a state destroys the lives and rights of its citizens, it temporarily forfeits its claims to legitimacy and sovereignty.[16] In such cases, outside governments have a positive duty to take steps to protect human rights and stamp out injustice.

However, this sort of response is limited, because governments are often reluctant to commit military forces and resources to defend human rights in other states.[17] In addition, the use of violence to end human rights violations poses a moral dilemma insofar as such interventions may lead to further loss of innocent lives.[18] It is imperative that the least amount of force necessary to achieve humanitarian objectives be used, that intervention not do more harm than good, and that it be motivated by genuine humanitarian concerns. Otherwise, such interventions are likely to simply cause more injustice.

Restoring Justice Once Conflict Has Ended

A central goal of responding to injustice is paving the way for future peace. Once conflict has ended and policies of oppression have been repealed, society members face the task of rebuilding their society. Many believe that measures aimed at restorative justice are well-suited for this task.

Restorative Justice is concerned with healing wounds of victims and repairing harm done to interpersonal relationships and the community. It can play a crucial role in responding to severe human rights violations or cases of genocide. Huge advances are made when governments tell the truth about past atrocities carried out by the state.[19] It is thought that true healing requires remembering the atrocities committed, repenting, and forgiving. War crimes inquiries and truth commissions can aid in the process of memory and truth telling and help to make public the extent to which victims have suffered.

Restoration often becomes a matter of restitution or war reparations. In cases where clear acts of injustice have taken place, some type of compensation package can help to meet the material and emotional needs of victims and remedy the injustice. Repentance can also help to re-establish relationships among the conflicting parties and help them to move toward reconciliation . In some cases, conflicts can end more peacefully when parties acknowledge their guilt and apologize than when formal war crimes adjudication or criminal proceedings are used.

In cases of civil war, because the line between offenders and victims can become blurred, a central goal of peacebuilding is to restore the community as a whole. Restoration often becomes tied to the transformation of the relationship between the conflicting parties. However, such restoration cannot take place unless it is supported by wider social conditions and unless the larger community makes restorative processes available.

Many note that an adequate response to injustice must involve social structural changes , reconstruction programs to help communities ravaged by conflict, democratization and the creation of institutions of civil society. Only then can the underlying causes of injustice be remedied.

[1] Paul Wehr, Heidi Burgess, and Guy Burgess. Justice Without Violence. (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1994), 9.

[2] Morton Deutsch, "Justice and Conflict." In The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice , ed. M. Deutsch and P.T. Coleman (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Inc. Publishers, 2000), 55.

[3] Wehr, Burgess, and Burgess, 9.

[4] Wehr, Burgess, and Burgess, 37.

[5] Deutsch, 56.

[6] Deutsch, 52.

[7] Wehr, Burgess, and Burgess, 37.

[8] Alex Moseley, "Just War Theory," in The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2001)

[on-line] available at: http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/j/justwar.htm , accessed January 30, 2003.

[9] Wehr, Burgess, and Burgess, 9.

[10] Wehr, Burgess, and Burgess, 7.

[11] Antonio Cassese, Human Rights in a Changing World . (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1990), 59.

[12] "Reconciling Social Policy and Economic Reform," an Interview with Domingo Cavallo by the Center for International Private Enterprise, Economic Reform Today, [on-line] available at http://www.cipe.org/publications/fs/ert/e22/cavE22.htm , accessed on January 30, 2003. (No longer available as of March 5th 2013)

[13] Gustavo Palma Murga, "Promised the Earth: Agrarian Reform in the Guatemalan Socio-Economic Agreement," (Conciliation Resources, Accord, 1997) [on-line] available at http://www.c-r.org/accord-article/promised-earth-agrarian-reform-socio-economic-agreement , accessed on January 30, 2003.

[14] Michel Veuthey, "International Humanitarian Law and the Restoration and Maintenance of Peace." African Security Review 7, no. 5 (1998) [on-line] available from http://www.iss.co.za/Pubs/ASR/7No5/InternationalHumanitarian.html , accessed on January 30, 2003.

[15] Cassese, 55-6.

[16] Don Hubert and Thomas G. Weiss et al. The Responsibility to Protect: Supplementary Volume to the Report of the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty. (Canada: International Development Research Centre, 2001), 136.

[17] Hubert and Weiss, et al., 136.

[18] Hubert and Weiss, et al., 137.

[19] Peggy Hutchison and Harmon Wray. "What is Restorative Justice?" [on-line] Available at: http://gbgm-umc.org/nwo/99ja/what.html , accessed on January 27, 2003.

Use the following to cite this article: Maiese, Michelle. "Addressing Injustice." Beyond Intractability . Eds. Guy Burgess and Heidi Burgess. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder. Posted: June 2003 < http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/address-injustice >.

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Social Injustice

Essays in Political Philosophy

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Table of contents (13 chapters)

Front matter, making sense of social injustice.

Vittorio Bufacchi

Why Political Philosophy Matters: The Imperative of Social Injustice

Studying social injustice: the methodology of empirical philosophy, the injustice of exploitation, torture, terrorism, and the state: a refutation of the ticking-bomb argument, the enlightenment, contractualism, and the moral polity, motivating justice, justice, equality, liberty, sceptical democracy, political scepticism: a reply to the critics, voting, rationality, and reputation, deliberative democracy in action, socialism in the 21st century: liberal, democratic, and market oriented, back matter.

• political philosophy

About this book

'...a thought-provoking and compelling contribution to political philosophy, one that should be read by scholars of any discipline who are interested in social injustice.' -Siobhan O'Sullivan, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Irish Journal of Public Policy

'This essay offers an excellent example of what philosophical reflection can gain by taking seriously the relevant empirical information.' - Maria Paola Ferretti, Technische Universitaet Darmstadt, International Review of Sociology

Authors and Affiliations

About the author, bibliographic information.

Book Title : Social Injustice

Book Subtitle : Essays in Political Philosophy

Authors : Vittorio Bufacchi

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230358447

Publisher : Palgrave Macmillan London

eBook Packages : Palgrave Religion & Philosophy Collection , Philosophy and Religion (R0)

Copyright Information : Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited 2012

Hardcover ISBN : 978-0-230-25160-1 Published: 08 November 2011

Softcover ISBN : 978-1-137-49490-0 Published: 08 November 2011

eBook ISBN : 978-0-230-35844-7 Published: 08 November 2011

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XI, 202

Topics : Political Philosophy , Social Philosophy , Political Science , Ethics , Political History

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21 Social Injustice Examples

Social injustice occurs whenever people are treated unfairly. Its effects can last a lifetime. It limits people’s access to opportunities and can force them into poverty and even illness.

Levy and Sidel (2006, p. 6) provide a good scholarly definition:

“[Social injustice is] the denial or violation of economic, sociocultural, political, civil, or human rights of specific populations or groups in the society based on the perception of their inferiority by those with more power or influence.” (Levy & Sidel, 2006, p. 6)

Injustices in society can manifest in many different areas of social life, including in the workplace, the education system, and the criminal justice system .

Examples of social injustice include employment discrimination, educational inequality, and police brutality. The people who are most susceptible to it are minorities and oppressed social groups , including people already suffering from poverty and ethnic minorities.

Social Injustice Examples

1. the glass ceiling.

Real Life Fact: Of the 45 presidents of the United States, zero were women.

The term “ glass ceiling ” was first coined in the early 1980s and refers to the invisible barrier that prevents women from being promoted to senior leadership positions.

While women have made great strides in recent decades, they still face significant obstacles when it comes to career advancement. The higher women get in organizations, the more likely they are to face unofficial ‘boys clubs’ such as social golfing groups where a lot of business deals are done.

As a result of the social injustices in hiring practices, women make up just 19% of executive positions and 6% of S&P 500 CEO positions.

See more: The Glass Ceiling in Sociology

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2. The Gender Pay Gap

Real Life Fact: Women earn 83 cents for every dollar men earn.

The gender pay gap is a complex problem in today’s workforce. Women generally perform well compared to men in white-collar jobs up until their late 20s. However, in their late 20s, women looking for work experience discrimination because the employer expects that they will take time off to have a child soon.

Furthermore, because many women are out of work to have children, their career progression is delayed. As a result, by their mid-to-late 30s, men start earning more than women. This has a compounding effect, and women tend to have significantly less money saved up than men by the time they retire.

On top of this, feminized industries like childcare, healthcare, and education tend to earn less than other industries.

Ways to fix this include initiating government-funded maternity and paternity leave, gender quotas in workforces, and paying feminized industries fair wages.

3. Systemic Discrimination

Real Life Fact: Seven in ten black men have experienced police mistreatment.

Systemic discrimination occurs when entire social systems and bureaucracies are biased against certain groups of people.

This can take many forms, but some common examples include historically segregated housing and education following policies like racial steering and redlining, unconscious bias in the judiciary , and reluctance for police leadership to discipline their officers for acts of prejudice .

As a result, marginalized groups often suffer from a wide range of socio-economic disadvantages, which can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Real Life Fact: 64 percent of older workers say they have seen age discrimination in the workplace.

Ageism can be defined as prejudice or discrimination against a person or group of people based on their age. Ageism can manifest in the form of stereotypes, negative attitudes, or discriminatory behavior.

It can be directed at people of all ages, but is often most prevalent towards older adults.

Examples of ageism include mandatory retirement, age-based hiring and promotion practices, and jokes or negative comments about someone’s age. Young people may be discriminated against because they’re perceived as naive and old people face discrimination because they’re seen as slowing down and becoming less productive.

It is a social problem because it can lead to social exclusion and isolation , decreased opportunities, and poorer health outcomes.

Additionally, ageism is often used as a justification for abuse, both physical and verbal. If left unchecked, ageism can have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole.

5. Homophobia

Real Life Fact: 23% of LGBT people in the UK have witnessed discriminatory remarks made by healthcare workers.

Homophobia is the fear, hatred, or dislike of homosexual people. It can also refer to a belief that homosexual activity is morally wrong.

Homophobia is often based on negative stereotypes about gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. These can include the belief that LGBT people are promiscuous, untrustworthy around children, or dangerous.

It can manifest itself in many ways. For example, someone might make derogatory comments about LGBT people or refuse to associate with them. In extreme cases, it can lead to violence.

6. Racism and Xenophobia

Real Life Fact: While blacks and whites use drugs at a similar rate, blacks are 6 times more likely to be arrested for it.

Racism is the belief that one race is superior to another, and that certain racial groups are innately predisposed to certain traits or behaviors.

Xenophobia, on the other hand, is the fear or hatred of foreigners or outsiders.

Both racism and xenophobia can lead to discrimination and violence against those who are perceived to be different. Racism often manifests as an institutionalized form of discrimination known as institutional racism , whereby people of certain races are systematically disadvantaged in areas like education, employment, and housing.

Xenophobia, meanwhile, can manifest as an individual fear or hatred of foreigners, which can lead to prejudice and bigotry. In extreme cases, it can even lead to violence. Racism and xenophobia are both serious problems that need to be addressed.

7. Gerrymandering

Real Life Fact: The USA is ranked as a flawed democracy due to gerrymandering, below most other western nations.

Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral district in order to favor one party or group over another.

The term is named after Elbridge Gerry, who as governor of Massachusetts signed a bill into law in 1812 that created an oddly shaped electoral district in an attempt to benefit his party. Gerrymandering can be used to create “safe” districts for incumbents or to dilute the votes of particular groups, such as racial minorities or political opponents.

In recent years, gerrymandering has become increasingly sophisticated, thanks in part to advances in computer mapping. As a result, it has become easier for politicians to draw districts that give their party an unfair advantage in elections.

It is an example of social injustice because it is undemocratic and ant-competitive. There have been several lawsuits filed in an attempt to overturn gerrymandered districts in the USA. However, so far the Supreme Court has been unwilling to strike down these districts on constitutional grounds.

8. Climate Change

Real Life Fact: 216 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050.

Some of the observed effects of climate change include expanding deserts, melting glaciers and ice sheets, dying trees, and larger numbers of extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes and winter storms.

Scientists are confident that human activity is the main cause of climate change, as the burning of fossil fuels releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Climate change is an issue of environmental justice because it disproportionately impacts people in low-lying islands or extreme climate locations. In the 21st Century, it will cause a great deal of climate change refugees.

It will also burden future generations unfairly, simply so we can get cheap energy today.

See Also: Environmental Injustice Examples

9. Girls’ Education

Real Life Fact: In the developing world, millions of girls are denied an education due to gender discrimination.

In many parts of the world, girls are simply not able to attend school due to cultural stigma. If a family cannot afford to send all of their children to school, they will often choose to send the boy because he will be more likely to get a highly-paid job in a patriarchal society .

Even when girls are able to attend school, they may face discrimination and exclusion. In some cultures, girls are not allowed to receive an education beyond a certain age, or they may be discouraged from pursuing certain subjects. Furthermore, some cultures will force girls to stay at home when they have their period.

However, when girls are educated , they have more personal agency , they’re not confined to the domestic sphere, and they can contribute to increasing the wealth of their families and communities.

10. Child and Forced Marriage

Real Life Fact: There are over 15 million people forced to marry against their will around the world. 88% of the victims are women.

Child marriage is a violation of human rights. It exposes young girls to the risk of physical and sexual violence, limits their education and economic opportunities, and places them at a greater risk of health problems.

Girls who are married as children are also more likely to experience domestic violence and to be deprived of freedom in their adulthood.

In some cultures, child marriage is seen as a way to protect unmarried girls in violent societies. However, forced marriage puts girls at greater risk of harm in their own homes.

11. Religious Discrimination

Real Life Fact: Christians face government-sanctioned discrimination in 168 countries . Muslims face government-sanctioned discrimination in 121 countries.

Religious discrimination is treating a person or group differently because of their beliefs. This can include refusing to hire them because of their religion, or forcing them to follow certain religious practices.

It can also involve treating someone differently because they do not have any religious beliefs.

Unfortunately, prejudice, unjust stereotyping, and ethnocentrism mean that religious discrimination remains a pervasive issue in today’s world.

12. Poverty

Real Life Fact: Children from poor families in the USA perform 10% lower , on average, in tests scores, and face more mental health issues in childhood.

Poverty is a state of being unable to afford the basic necessities of life, including food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), over 1.3 billion people worldwide live in poverty, making it one of the most pressing global issues of our time.

There are many causes of poverty, ranging from economic factors such as unemployment or low incomes, to political factors such as conflict or corruption.

Poverty deprives people of their fundamental rights and dignity as human beings . Poverty forces people to live in dangerous and unhealthy conditions, without access to basic services or opportunities for personal development.

It also creates a vicious cycle of deprivation that can be very difficult to break out of.

In order to end poverty, social policies need to be put in place that tackle poverty while not suppressing economic growth. This means creating more well-paid jobs and providing adequate social safety nets for those who cannot work. It also means tackling corruption and promoting good governance so that everyone has a fair chance to prosper.

13. Unequal Service Delivery

Real Life Fact: There are still 71 remote Indigenous communities in Canada without clean drinking water.

In the developed world, there remains unequal service delivery for marginalized people. This means that marginalized groups do not have equal opportunity in life.

The quintessential example of this is the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The Flint water crisis began in April 2014 when the city switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River.

At this period, lead began leaching from the pipes and into the water. Despite repeated complaints from residents about the foul-smelling and discolored water, state officials denied that there was a problem. Even when tests showed elevated lead levels in children, officials insisted that the water was safe to drink. It wasn’t until December 2015 that the state finally admitted there was a problem and took steps to correct it. The damage had been done, however, and thousands of people had been exposed to lead-contaminated water.

Similarly, in Canada, there are still 71 indigenous communities who have to boil their water because they do not have access to safe drinking water.

14. Slavery and Human Trafficking

Real Life Fact: There are over 20 million victims of human trafficking worldwide today.

Though it may seem like something that only happens in history books or movies, human trafficking is still a very real problem in the 21st century.

Every year, millions of people are trafficked for the purpose of forced labor or sexual exploitation.

This hidden form of slavery occurs all over the world, including in developed countries like the United States, which has close to 11,000 cases of human trafficking per year.

Victims of human trafficking often come from disadvantaged backgrounds or lack legal status in their country of residence, making them especially vulnerable to exploitation.

While there are many laws and international conventions designed to combat human trafficking, the problem persists, largely due to corruption, poverty, and lack of awareness.

15. Stereotyping

Real Life Fact: Stereotypical thinking can lead to employment, police, and healthcare discrimination.

Stereotyping is a cognitive shortcut that allows us to quickly process information about other people. When we encounter someone new, we often rely on stereotypes to make judgments about them.

This can lead to prejudice and discrimination, as we tend to treat people who belong to groups that we have negative stereotypes about in a negative way.

An example of a stereotype is the belief that all immigrants are criminals. This stereotype is often used to justify discriminatory policies, such as the Muslim Ban in the United States. Another example is the stereotype that women are not as competent as men in math and science. This can lead to women being underrepresented in these fields and experiencing discrimination in the workplace.

16. Forced Child Labor

Real Life Fact: There are 160 million victims of forced labor in the world today.

Every year, millions of children in the developing world are forced to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions, often for little or no pay.

This exploitation robs children of their childhood, depriving them of an education and a chance to grow and develop into productive adults.

Forced child labor also creates a coercive and exploitative power dynamic that can last a lifetime. Victims of forced child labor are often trapped in a cycle of poverty and insecurity, making them more vulnerable to further exploitation.

17. Disability Discrimination

Real Life Fact: People with disabilities are more likely to face violence in their lives than people without disabilities. They are also less likely to be able to get the police to intervene.

Disability discrimination occurs when an individual is treated less favorably than others because of their disability.

It can also arise when people with disabilities are subjected to unequal terms or conditions in employment or housing, or when they are denied access to public services such as transportation or government buildings.

In today’s world, we are increasingly making efforts to ensure people with disabilities can be equal participants in society. However, there is always work to be done to continue to ensure disabled people have equal opportunities to succeed and participate in the public sphere.

18. Rural Health Access

Real Life Fact: Rural people find it harder to access healthcare. While about 25% of people live in rural areas of the USA, only 10% of physicians practice in rural areas.

One of the most significant obstacles to rural people is the lack of healthcare facilities near their homes. This means that residents have to travel long distances to receive healthcare, which can be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming.

Often, it is hard to get doctors to move to rural areas, exacerbating the shortage of healthcare providers.

Another factor that contributes to the healthcare disparities between rural and urban areas is the socioeconomic status of residents. Rural residents are more likely to be poor and lack health insurance, which makes it difficult for them to afford quality care.

19. The Digital Divide

Real Life Fact: Only 39% of people in Africa have access to the internet, compared to 94% of people in the United States.

The digital divide refers to the disparity between those who have access to the internet and modern technology, and those who do not (see also: pros and cons of the internet ).

This divide can be seen in both developed and developing countries, and it often falls along economic lines.

In developed countries, the digital divide typically refers to the gap between those who can afford high-speed internet access and those who cannot.

In developing countries, the digital divide is often much more extreme, with large portions of the population having no access to electricity, let alone the internet.

The consequences of the digital divide can be severe.

Those without access to modern technology are at a disadvantage when it comes to education, employment, and even social interactions. The digital divide has been identified as a major contributor to poverty and inequality worldwide, and efforts are being made to close the gap.

20. Free Speech Prisoners

Real Life Fact: Alexei Navalny was imprisoned for 13 years in Russia for being a vocal critic of Vladamir Putin.

In some societies, free speech is not a taken-for-granted right. People who speak out against the powers-that-be can be imprisoned or harmed extrajudicially.

This is particularly a concern for journalists.

In some countries, journalists may face persecution simply for doing their jobs. This is often done in an effort to silence dissent and prevent the free flow of information.

In recent years, there have been many cases of journalists being killed simply because of their profession. One prominent example is Jamal Khashoggi who was murdered by the Saudi government for publishing articles critical of their regime.

21. Colonization

Real Life Fact: Indigenous people account for 5% of the global population but make up 15% of the world’s people in extreme poverty.

The lasting effects of colonization are felt to this day in many parts of the world.

The most obvious effect is the physical presence of colonial powers in former colonies. This can be seen in the form of military bases, infrastructure, and natural resources that were extracted during the period of colonialism.

However, the legacy of colonialism goes beyond physical evidence.

Colonization also had a profound impact on the cultures and societies of colonized peoples. In some cases, this resulted in the suppression or outright eradication of indigenous cultures which as left them disempowered and impoverished today.

There are many examples of social injustice that exist in the world today. From healthcare disparities to the digital divide, these injustices perpetuate poverty and prevent us from reaching a socially just society . Free speech prisoners and indigenous peoples are particularly vulnerable to oppression .

While the problem of social injustice may seem insurmountable, there are many people and organizations working to address these issues. With awareness and action, it is possible to achieve a more just and equitable world for all.

Levy, B. S., & Sidel, V. W. (Eds.). (2013).  Social injustice and public health . Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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4 thoughts on “21 Social Injustice Examples”

The best article I have ever read Keep working like this and make people aware of what they are doing to others so we can put a step forward for these social issues

Thanks Mehreen. I appreciate your comment!

As a professor of Mental Health Counseling, I would love to see the awareness of those incarcerated and discriminated against for mental illness. This population grows daily with increased influence of all of the other significant issues you have raised. Thank you for your attention to how we all can find a social justice passion and manifest change.

Thanks for your comment Dr Thompson

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Online MSW Programs / Social Work / What is Social Justice?

Introduction to Social Justice in Social Work

Social workers are passionate about serving others. They apply this passion to advocating for vulnerable groups of people like children, seniors and those with disabilities. Because of this,  social work  is tied to social justice, which often leads efforts to protect the rights of the previously mentioned groups.

This article discusses what social justice is, why it’s important, and how social justice applies to the social work field.

What Is Social Justice?

Social justice has to do with the belief that all people should have equal rights and opportunity. However, there is a lot of confusion about what exactly this means. To more fully understand social justice, it helps to examine its history.

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University of Denver

Graduate school of social work.

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

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History of social justice

The concept of  social justice has religious roots , originating in 1843 from the Italian philosopher and priest Luigi Taparelli d’Azeglio, according to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), a nonprofit educational organization. ISI notes that the Catholic Church formally adopted “social justice” as part of its teaching through Pope Pius XI’s 1931 encyclical, “ Quadragesimo Anno .” These early discussions of social justice addressed the growing gap between the rich and poor after the industrial revolution and into the progressive era.

After the Great Depression, the social work profession experienced a shift in priorities and adopted a social justice focus. In his Social Work Today article, “ Keeping Social Justice in Social Work ,” Dr. Frederic Reamer explains how many social workers “worked primarily in public welfare agencies and other social programs begun under the New Deal and designed to address society’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens.”

The idea of social justice received more attention after John Rawl, an American political philosopher, published “ A Theory of Justice ” in 1971. Its guiding principle was that people have “an equal right to the most extensive system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all.” Rawl’s ideas and theories of social justice have continued to be pertinent in economics and politics. For example, the United Nations and The International Forum for Social Development mention Rawl’s justice ideas throughout the 2006 publication, “ Social Justice in an Open World: The Role of the United Nations .”

Definition of social justice: Social justice is a type of justice rooted in the idea that all people should have equal rights, opportunity and treatment.

Definition of social injustice: Social injustice is when actions are taken that infringe upon a group’s rights, marginalize their opportunities or treat them unfairly.

Why Is Social Justice Important?

Social justice promotes fairness and equity across many aspects of society. For example, it promotes equal economic, educational and workplace opportunities. It’s also important to the safety and security of individuals and communities.

According to the  National Education Association (NEA) Diversity Toolkit , “The absence of social justice results in social oppression.” The NEA notes this could be in the form of “racism, sexism, ageism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism.” It also suggests the following strategies for promoting social justice:

• Concentrate on diversity
• Confront the implications of oppression
• Learn and address the attitudes and behaviors that sustain oppression
• Adopt an inclusive mindset

Social workers apply the above strategies to advance growth and change among vulnerable groups, such the senior, LGBTQ, homeless, veteran and refugee communities.

Issues in social justice

Social justice issues span many areas. The  Pachamama Alliance , an organization that advocates for indigenous and nature rights, says social justice issues can stem from prejudices in areas such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, education and mental or physical ability. Social workers must engage these issues as they promote social development and change.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) notes  five areas of social justice priorities : voting rights, criminal justice/ juvenile justice, environmental justice, immigration and economic justice. Other common social justice priorities are related to health care, education and workers’ rights. While liberals and conservatives feel differently about social justice issues and how to address them, social workers are committed to addressing the social injustices they encounter.

What Is Social Justice in Social Work?

Social justice and social work cannot be separated. Social workers use their strong communication and empathy skills to relate with patients undergoing stress and trauma, which could be related to social injustices. They ensure people are treated with respect and promote social justice within schools, hospitals, community centers, nursing homes and more.

According to the  NASW’s Code of Ethics , “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” The NASW lists social justice as one of the  social work profession’s core values , which include:

• Social justice
• Dignity and worth of the person
• Importance of human relationships

Each value is tied to an aspirational ethical principle. For social justice, the ethical principle is “Social workers challenge social injustice.” The Code of Ethics expands upon this principle:

Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers’ social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people.

Social workers engage in social justice because they have to be attentive to the environmental and societal factors that contribute to people’s struggles. Reamer explains this in his Social Work Today article, writing about how social workers understand “that individual clients’ struggles with problems such as clinical depression, anxiety, domestic violence, substance abuse and poor health often stem from significant social and economic problems associated with poverty, unemployment, unaffordable housing, inflation and other environmental problems.”

Careers in Social Justice

Aside from social work, there are several other careers in social justice. If you’re looking for ways to help individuals and communities address injustices, you may want to consider the following social justice careers: 

• Mental health worker: Related closely to the field of psychiatric social work , a mental health worker or counselor provides treatment and support for those who are experiencing mental or behavioral problems. Mental health workers evaluate clients’ mental health, develop treatment plans and goals and work with clients to assist them in their recovery. They may also conduct outreach to help community members recognize signs of destructive behavior. Most mental health counselor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree , but many require a master’s degree as well.
• Victim advocate: A victim advocate provides assistance to victims of crimes throughout the criminal justice process. They advocate on behalf of victims and ensure that their rights are not violated. Responsibilities may include offering emotional support, providing resources and referrals and assisting with criminal justice forms. Some schools offer certificate programs specifically focused on victim advocacy. 
• Community developer: Community developers—sometimes referred to as community service managers—are responsible for coordinating community-wide programs that support public well-being. This may include identifying necessary programs and planning and managing outreach activities. Community developers often work for nonprofit organizations or government agencies. This position incorporates elements of macro social work , as it focuses on implementing large-scale solutions to community injustices. 
• Lobbyist: Lobbyists represent certain political interests and work to sway politicians to vote for legislation that favors these interests. Lobbying may be considered a social justice career if you are representing legislation that seeks to address community injustices. To become a lobbyist, it may be beneficial to earn a degree in political science, journalism, law, communication or public relations. It can also be helpful to have work experience relating to the specific issues you want to represent. 
• Lawyer: Lawyers represent individuals and businesses on a variety of legal issues, including disputes related to social justice. As a lawyer, you’ll advise clients, conduct research on legal problems and present facts to a court. In most states, lawyers need to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and pass a bar exam before practicing. If you’re interested in both social work and law, you may want to consider a dual Master of Social Work (MSW) and J.D. degree. These types of dual degrees are designed to provide you with an understanding of how legal policies affect complex social issues.

Resources for Further Learning

Regardless of what type of  social work career  you wish to pursue, if you decide to  become a social worker , social justice will likely be an integral part of your work. Below are resources related to social justice in social work. How will social justice be part of your social work career?

Web resources

• NASW’s Code of Ethics
• NASW’s Social Justice Priorities
• “ Social Justice and Social Work ” by Michael J. Austin
• “ Social Work and Social Justice: A Structural Approach to Practice ” by Colleen Lundy
• “ Social Justice Isn’t What You Think It Is ” by Michael Novak
• “ Social Justice Theory and Practice for Social Work ” by Lynelle Watts and David Hodgson
• “ Social Work, Social Justice, and Human Rights: A Structural Approach to Practice, Second Edition ” by Colleen Lundy

Last updated: March 2022

220 Social Justice Essay Topics: Ideas To Get You Started

Are you looking for ideal social justice essay topics? These are some of the best topics that you can use. You can find some interesting, controversial, and persuasive topics here. Always give your best when doing any of these essays to ensure you pass perfectly.

It is important to do thorough research when doing these kinds of essays. Also, remember to choose a topic of something that interests you most. Your passion should be a driver when doing these social justice essays.

How To Write A Social Justice Essay

Writing a social justice essay is just like any other type of essay. First, you will need to find an ideal topic, after that check with your professor to see whether they will approve it. With any essay, project, thesis, or dissertation that you do. It is significant to follow the right procedure and get the right approval. If you do so, your writing will be as good, as ones which are written by professional scholarship essay writers .

Title Page : The essay will need a title page that gives details about the topic, your identity, the course unit, due date, and a short brief of the topic that you want to undertake. In some cases, you might need an abstract that gives a great overview of what the essay is all about. Introduction : The introduction part should give a great briefing of what the essay will be all about. That’s where you give a great introduction on what to expect in the essay. You will need to have done a great literature review to ensure that you have the right facts in place. However, try to be brief as much as possible. Body : The body is the main part. In this, you will need to dig deep into the topic and provide the right facts and research on the specific topic. It is really important to jot down all the important information first, then start elaborating them one by one. This will help to ensure you don’t miss a point at all. You need to justify or nullify your facts well in the body part. Conclusion : This is where you provide a summary of the whole essay. It should also be brief and ensure that when someone reads it, they get to understand the main essence of the essay perfectly. It is indispensable to also have all the right facts. Reference Page : This is where you cite all the resources that you used in your research. Just ensure you cite all the resources that you used. This is as critical as any other part of the essay.Argumentative Social Justice Essay Topics

Are you looking for the best argumentative social justice essay topics? You can start with these! They are ideal and will make you feel satisfied as you do your research.

• The consequences of deprivation of health care.
• Which are the major labor laws that are similar in most countries?
• The societal view of domestic violence towards men.
• How recovering addicts deal with social injustices.
• The major forms of social injustices.
• How does racism affect people globally?
• Convicts punishment after serving time in prison.
• Do you think it is right to use traditional medicines in the current world?
• The evolution of different languages.
• Which are the weirdest burial customs worldwide?
• The major gender roles practiced globally.
• The evolution of kitchen and eating utensils.
• The various totems around the world.
• How are refugees handled in different parts of the world?
• The major factors behind illegal immigration.

Persuasive Social Justice Essay

Social justice topics can seem a bit complex. However, with the right data at hand, you will manage to do your essay perfectly without fail. Here are some of the best essays you can start with.

• Black lives matter in relation to social justice.
• The major social justice issues facing the elderly.
• Social justice in the education system.
• The major agendas about social justice.
• The Christian teaching on social justice.
• The relation between social justice and gay rights.
• The relation between prosperity and social justice.
• The ethical issues facing social justice worldwide.
• The social justice issues in the health care setting.
• The philosophy of social justice worldwide.
• The importance of human rights and social justice.
• The role of higher education in promoting social justice.
• The role of education in society.
• The various social justice and advocacy support principles.
• The relation between the free market and social justice.

Relevant Social Justice Research Topics

Are you looking for the most ideal social justice research topics? You can use any of these. They are vital whether you are in high school, college or university.

• The ethics behind different product pricing in the market.
• The social justice orientation in the current world.
• The impact of the Vietnam War on the creation of social justice.
• The relation between poverty and social justice.
• The race relations and social justice problems.
• The major cycles of social justice.
• The importance of social justice globally
• Why is education a right for each child?
• The major issues about social justice activism.
• The relation between sustainable development and social justice.
• The impact of diversity on social justice.
• How can a corporate policy affect staff’s health?
• The reason that leads to employee riots.
• The connection between globalization, and increase in substance abuse.
• The effect of obesity on one’s social life.

Current Social Justice Topics To Write About

When doing any kind of research, always be ready to find some contradicting information that can easily mislead you. Hence, you will need to have different sources of information.

• The negative impact of societal beauty standards.
• The existence of peace without war.
• The relation between the increase in social media and suicide rates.
• Can the church and the state separate?
• Is issuing green cards a privilege or necessity?
• Will gun control laws reduce mass shootings?
• Is reverse discrimination a reality or just a myth?
• Should vaccination of any disease be mandatory?
• The major diseases that require vaccination globally.
• Who is greatly affected during war and terrorism?
• Can social media help to reduce illiteracy?
• The best child abuse prevention strategies.
• The dating violence experienced in university and college.
• The influence of TV on infant child development.
• How do discrimination policies help to reduce it?

Good Social Justice Paper

In society, there are different kinds of people. Hence, achieving social justice can be a bit strenuous. This is why there is a need for the different key players in society to play their parts perfectly.

• Discrimination in sports.
• How can the educational system be made more flexible to accommodate the evolving world?
• Discrimination against the various genders.
• The negative impact of bullying in teenagers.
• How social media promotes bullying?
• How does school uniforms help to wipe out different students’ identity?
• Is the wearing of school uniform a good norm?
• Will free education for everyone become a worldwide reality?
• The major social issues in social justice.
• The importance of social justice and inclusion in education.
• The importance of social justice for all.
• The effects of information technology on social justice.
• The relation between social justice and child abuse
• How can social justice policies be used to prevent different forms of abuse?
• Justice versus social justice.

In-Depth Social Justice Research Paper Topics

Are you looking for the best topics that will require you to do in-depth research? These topics will suit your preference. Remember to draft the important points well before doing the final version.

• The relation between social justice and equity.
• The relation between social justice and environmental justice.
• The importance of social justice to social work.
• The major differences in social justice.
• Is it true that social justice is not achieved by income?
• The relation between social justice and social injustice.
• The social determinants of justice.
• The relation between equality and social justice.
• The impact of social justice on gender equality.
• The problem of social injustice in the world.
• The relation of mental illness and social justice.
• The importance of the elderly community.
• The major concerns of social injustices.
• The relation between government and social life.
• The negative effects of social justice

Best Injustice Topics For Essay

Are you looking for the best injustice topics for your essay? Here are some of the best! They are all amazing and will suit your preference.

• The relation between racial bias and injustice.
• The role of education on critical literacy.
• The influence of racism and wrongful conviction in the justice system.
• Racial profiling issues in society.
• The relation between police brutality and racism.
• How racial segregation in schools affects students.
• The violence against women.
• The disparity between different genders in sports.
• How discrimination has a role in humanity.
• Discrimination against African Americans by some policemen.
• An analysis of racial tension in society.
• The various consequences of bullying behavior.
• The influence of rank and hierarchy in the workplace.
• Injustice issues in society.
• The relation between racism and race prejudice.

Advanced Injustice Essay Ideas

These injustice essay topics are diverse. You can use books, documentaries, films, and other sources to get the required data. Just ensure you do your best.

• How to recognize abuse signs.
• The relation between poverty and injustice in different parts of the world.
• Evaluate economic justice.
• Evaluate the injustices that happen in prisons.
• The various injustices portrayed in the book,” to kill a mockingbird”.
• The controversy of gun control.
• The history of racism globally.
• Evaluate racism in the modern world.
• The ethical implication of human trafficking.
• Evaluate discrimination in relation to equal employment opportunities.
• The various injustice in the education system.
• he importance of cultural awareness.
• Evaluate how justice is delayed is justice denied.
• The negative impact of human trafficking.
• The negative impact of slavery.

Social Justice Topics Ideas

Are you wondering what is social justice essay? Well, it is an essay that dwells on societal issues and how best to deal with them in favor of the whole.

• Should abortion be legal or illegal?
• The major causes of drug use.
• The relation between hunger and food insecurity.
• Which countries have high obesity rates than others?
• The influence of tourism on cultural heritage sites.
• The positives and negatives of structural racism.
• The subtle forms of everyday racism.
• How does racism manifest itself in any native language?
• The different types of social segmentation.
• How does cultural appropriation become harmful?
• How racial prejudice is eminent in the movie industry.
• The difference of discrimination in rich and developing countries.
• How is social media used to fight racism?
• How does modern television portray minorities?
• Do you think nationalism leads to racism?

Good Social Justice Topics

If you want to attain top grades, you can use any of these good social justice topics to do it. However, you need to work hand in hand with your teacher or professor to ensure you are following the right format.

• The major reasons that drive people to immigrate illegally.
• The importance of diversity to society.
• The ways that can lead to someone being stateless.
• The common prejudices faced by refugees.
• Are human rights limits during any crisis justified?
• How dictatorship can ensure human rights are respected.
• Should access to the internet be a fundamental human right?
• How can satire become harmful?
• How do governments secure freedom of speech?
• To which rights should prisoners have access?
• How do NGOs help to ensure human rights in war-stricken countries?
• Is combating climate change a human rights issue?
• The major differences between civil and human rights.
• Should undocumented migrants be deported when found?
• Should schools teach students to be patriotic?

Social Justice Writing Prompts

These are some of the best social justice writing prompts that you can use. There are many injustices in the world, and you can easily be sad over everything that happens. Do any of these topics and understand why.

• The major consequences of voter fraud.
• How police presence in schools helps to curb violence.
• The importance of reducing medical costs.
• How can different religions live together peacefully?
• Should financial literacy be a compulsory subject in high school?
• Is fake news a severe problem?
• How does digital presence influence real life?
• The dependence of people on social media.
• Do online networks promote stalking?
• Evaluate censorship on social media sites.
• How social media affects us mentally.
• The importance of data safety.
• Do you think the internet reduces our lifespan?
• How marginalized groups benefit from social media
• How do social media influence our interactions with other people?

Social Justice Topics

At times people perform brutality willingly or unwillingly in society. Then try any of these topics and see whether you can change people’s perceptions in different cases.

• The negative effects of police force brutality.
• The implications of wrongful convictions.
• White privilege in today’s media
• Do current policies protect citizens in different countries against discrimination?
• The effect of TV and radio on toddlers.
• The negative implications of funding war and terrorism.
• The strategies put in place to address social injustices against children.
• The various issues that pertain to literacy and illiteracy.
• The various social justice issues were ignored by various generations.
• The social justice topics that can be addressed in schools.
• The existence of peace education.
• How does illiteracy impact society?
• The social justice practices that should be addressed in schools.
• How increasing the minimum wage can help to cope with inflation.
• What causes the pay gap between different genders

Current Social Issues

We are all social beings. However, at times it may become hard to be good to everyone. This is because of the different behaviors people have. Try any of these topics and see what to do!

• The impact of third world debt on the global economy.
• The health care policies for female employees.
• The role of sustainability in economic development
• The impact of globalization on the economy.
• Should maternity leave be paid or unpaid?
• The implication of replacing women when they go for maternity leave.
• The various mental health issues about the changing economy.
• How can the raging student debt crisis be handled in the whole world?
• The role of social injustices in the economy.
• How should gender equality be portrayed, incorporated?
• The best way to increase productivity in the workplace.
• The major ethical issues in society.
• The major social media trends influence.
• Do you think YouTube is sometimes used to spread propaganda?
• How do Twitter hashtags skew the political discourse?

Social Issues Topics List

These are some of the best social issues topics list. You can’t miss finding an ideal topic from these. Just do your best in all that you do.

• The effect of speaking out in online communities
• In social media, how important are likes?
• Evaluate the gendered experience on the internet.
• The advantages and disadvantages of social media networks.
• The best way to make yourself heard is on social media.
• The worst substances to be addicted to.
• How can banning tobacco advertising reduce smoking?
• The best steps for a person to take when they can’t afford medicine.
• The importance of dignity.
• The major pro-life movements.
• With the current strategies, do you think the physically impaired are considered even in infrastructure building?
• Do you think the physically impaired have a voice in various governments globally?
• The importance of vaccinating children.
• The impact of gender on one’s health.
• The negative effects of malnourishment.

Social Justice Issue Topics

Do you have a list of social problems? Well, they are spread out globally. That’s why it can be vital to do some social change topics that will help you to get a better understanding. Indulge in this social causes list.

• Do you think people deny human-made climate change?
• Evaluate what a sustainable diet is like.
• Give reasons why sociologists should study the environment.
• The role of packaging in marketing, and the environment.
• How does global warming affect the environment?
• The effects of a deteriorating environment on labor conditions.
• The most significant achievement of environmental activists.
• Do you think volunteer work should substitute military service?
• The best way to protect animals.
• The best modes to donate to social justice initiatives.

Social Justice Essay Help Needed?

Are you in need of some essay help? We have a group of essay writers that can provide reliable and high-quality essays for you. If you want to do it on your own, try to do proper research and proofread before submitting. However, if you don’t want to work on it, just buy an essay online from our professional team. Our writing helpers are native ENL to ensure that the final essay is perfect. As a student, you won’t need to worry anymore.

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