Theory Of Social Justice
Ideas of social justice are both changeable and contestable. These ideas differ between individuals and societies. The term social justice is ambiguous but can briefly be summed up as - social justice involves having the capabilities to voice feelings and opinions but also for these to be heard. To do so, there has to be an active participation within society in order to shape it. In short, social justice focuses on the individual and their values and beliefs. Social harm refers to the harm or social injury caused by nation states, corporations and society. It focuses on particular actions within society that may cause unrest such racism, discrimination, inequality or poverty because these actions produce social exclusion for certain
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groups. To assess the connection between social harm and social justice it is important to look at many of the key concepts surrounding both. This will be done through case studies surrounding occupational harm specifically the migrant workers working at Morecambe Bay, the effects of hurricane Katrina and the rise of tent cities in California. Each of these examples will show how the notion of social harm is in many ways, entwined with ideas of social justice. Occupational injuries and deaths are becoming a major social problem globally. This type of harm is a significant source of personal suffering (Widdowson, p81). Many multinational companies have taken their manufacturing work to third world countries to exploit the cheap labour and lack of health and safety measures to reduce their production costs whilst maximising profit. An alternative view are local companies using migrant workers to inflate their profits. This was the case of Ali Qin at Morecombe Bay. This personal account reflected the number of migrants drowning due to poor health and safety regulations. This was not because of the countries laws, but because of the companies’ exploitation of illegal work (Widdowson, p80). This type of behaviour has given to the rise of so called corporate crime. The globalisation of manufacturing has placed less emphasis on the safety of staff and more on the profit gain from using a cheaper workforce. The ILO report that 12,000 children die each year working in hazardous conditions (ILO cited in Widdowson, p81). The main reason for this is poor working conditions, in countries where there are little or no health and safety regulations to prevent occupational accidents. The workers in these factories do not have the opportunity to voice concerns over safety due to a combination of fear of losing their job and lack of representation by trade unions. The harm caused to the wellbeing not only to children but also to adults is in direct response to social injustice in these already impoverished countries. The idea of power is important in this example. Large corporate groups have the power to control their markets and as a consequence their staffing. This power allows them to concentrate their work force within impoverished areas where they can employ staff at a considerably less rate than they would within the EU. This lower rate of pay also brings in lower rates of safety. The harm caused to these individuals is inconceivable. Social harm relates significantly to social justice in this particular example. Proper pay, rights and working conditions would contribute significantly to the workers well-being preventing harm and adding to social justice.
well-being
When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans there was widespread social devastation. Many lost their homes, livelihoods and in some cases loved ones in this category 5 storm resulting in the largest forced migration in recent American history (Mooney, p101). Prior to this, New Orleans was already an area of America with high poverty with most residents being black and of the working class. Katrina devastated New Orleans creating estimated damages of $200 billion (Mooney, p100). During this time there were reports of tapes and looting with increased violence as a result of a lack of security. Those affected were concerned with the lack of police presence and government intervention to protect those affected by flooding from crime. This became such a problem that police began to prevent people from entering the shelters. As a direct result of the government’s behaviour, people gathered and mobilised collectively to protest against the injustices. Many argue that Katrina was the largest social disaster of our time and indeed a huge cause of social harm to the residents of New Orleans and indeed the wider United States with a number of people being excluded from society. Social exclusion relates to the mentalities that shape policy in relation to governing populations. In this situation power was executed by the government to prevent citizens from entering the areas of safety due to a perceived threat of crime. The idea of looting and theft was looked upon as a crime against society and was punishable to that effect. It could however be argued that people were looting and committing acts of theft in order to find shelter, fresh water and food which the government did not provide them. Not only had people lost their homes, possessions and in some instances their family, but they had also been denied basic human needs. It could be argued that the government’s use of power heightened the oppression and harm of those living in post Katrina New Orleans who were already of the working class. The idea of this social exclusion is also important in this case. Problem populations are often viewed as ethnic minorities and/or criminals. Social justice mobilises people to take action for social change (Week 4, The Open University). This is exactly what had happened in New Orleans with citizens protesting against the government’s unfair treatment. Social harm in this instance brought about desire for social justice.
The tent cities in Sacramento, California began as a result of the recession of 2007.
Many people were made unemployed and as a result could not keep their homes. This city was particularly hard hit, and as a consequence all of the homeless shelters were full leaving citIzens with no other option than to live in tents. It is estimated that 500 people lose their homes each day (Week 9, The Open University). This situation gives rise to the idea of governmentalities. The authorities in this area admit that the sight of this poverty is not pretty yet they continue to fail their citizens by not providing further housing or basic needs. Most of the residents of the tent cities rely on charity workers handing out food and other supplies. The theory of responsibilisation can be looked at in this scenario. Responsibilisation is the idea that the person is responsible for creating their own success and their own happiness as a result. Social Harm is seen very clearly in Sacramento. A city which was previously affluent has now been hit by social devastation seen in recent years. Those who have lost their jobs and homes have nowhere else to go and rely on tent cities, however the state is known for its fantastic wealth with the glamour of Hollywood (Week 9, The Open University). This demonstrates the inequalities within this part of the country, which adds to the harm caused. The government, although they recognise the problems and recognise that tent cities are unsightly and …show more content…
hard to comprehend, still do nothing to counter the problem. This lack of regard for the abstract poverty suffered by many heightens the social injustice felt by both those living in the tent cities and the wider population who fear that they may be next. Social harm has a direct relation to social justice in this situation. Minorities, those in poverty and those who rely on charities for basic needs are often viewed as “problem populations” and can be subject to welfare interventions, however the lines between welfare interventions and crime control are blurred and governments often mistake like for like. Despite those who live in tent cities being classed as a problem population there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of interventions.
It is difficult to measure how much social harm connects with social justice as the definitions of what is ‘good’ and what is ‘just’ in society are constantly changing. However, it can be noted that social harm is directly reflected in social (in) justice. The example of migrant workers in Morecambe Bay prove this somewhat. Corporate crime, the lack of regard for workers safety to create large profits is but one example of the injustice and inequality faced with many who simply try to make a living in today’s society. In addition, although this is a man-made harm, there are also harms caused by other worldly factors such as that seen with Hurricane Katrina. The devastation seen by an already impoverished nation was immeasurable. The harm caused by both the weather and also by the governments lack of adequate response lead to mass social harm. Social justice was sought by this population by protests and looting to both feed themselves and to provide water. A basic human need that the government, for the most part, did not provide. Furthermore, Sacramento’s tent cities only strengthen this argument. Countless individuals face homelessness in this city every single day through job cuts and salary cuts caused by the great recession of 2007. This essay has only touched on a few social issues that intensify the value of inadequate and unequal resources for man in today’s society. Social justice is a normative concept and is contestable and changeable. Social harm has a direct connection to social justice and indeed social injustice.
Word Count: 1588
Reflection
I enjoyed working on this TMA, in particular looking at the individual case studies.
My tutors feedback helped me to focus on the question, pick out specific pieces of information and to refer to both the online and book materials. I drew on analytical skills and developed skills in learning which concepts to apply to the materials used. I was particularly interested in looking at the social harm and injustice, particularly when this has been publicised well with the recent general election. This is an interest I will continue to develop in my own time. I was faced with a challenge of time on this TMA, I have another module which the EMA is due for and it has been difficult to plan and manage both. However, now that the other module is finished I do not envisage this becoming a problem moving
forward.
References
Mooney, G. (2008), ‘Problem’ populations, ‘Problem’ places, pp98-125, in Newman, J and Yeates, N. (eds), Social Justice: Welfare, Crime and Society. Milton Keynes, The Open University.
The Open University (May 2015), Week Four – Introduction to Block Two, Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=620505 (Accessed: 13 May 2015)
The Open University (May 2015), Week 9 – The globalisation of social justice, Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=620516 (Accessed: 13 May 2015)
Widdowson, B. (2008), ‘Well-being: harm and work’, Newman, J. and Yeates, N. (eds), Social Justice: Welfare, Crime and Society. Milton Keynes, The Open University.
groups. To assess the connection between social harm and social justice it is important to look at many of the key concepts surrounding both. This will be done through case studies surrounding occupational harm specifically the migrant workers working at Morecambe Bay, the effects of hurricane Katrina and the rise of tent cities in California. Each of these examples will show how the notion of social harm is in many ways, entwined with ideas of social justice. Occupational injuries and deaths are becoming a major social problem globally. This type of harm is a significant source of personal suffering (Widdowson, p81). Many multinational companies have taken their manufacturing work to third world countries to exploit the cheap labour and lack of health and safety measures to reduce their production costs whilst maximising profit. An alternative view are local companies using migrant workers to inflate their profits. This was the case of Ali Qin at Morecombe Bay. This personal account reflected the number of migrants drowning due to poor health and safety regulations. This was not because of the countries laws, but because of the companies’ exploitation of illegal work (Widdowson, p80). This type of behaviour has given to the rise of so called corporate crime. The globalisation of manufacturing has placed less emphasis on the safety of staff and more on the profit gain from using a cheaper workforce. The ILO report that 12,000 children die each year working in hazardous conditions (ILO cited in Widdowson, p81). The main reason for this is poor working conditions, in countries where there are little or no health and safety regulations to prevent occupational accidents. The workers in these factories do not have the opportunity to voice concerns over safety due to a combination of fear of losing their job and lack of representation by trade unions. The harm caused to the wellbeing not only to children but also to adults is in direct response to social injustice in these already impoverished countries. The idea of power is important in this example. Large corporate groups have the power to control their markets and as a consequence their staffing. This power allows them to concentrate their work force within impoverished areas where they can employ staff at a considerably less rate than they would within the EU. This lower rate of pay also brings in lower rates of safety. The harm caused to these individuals is inconceivable. Social harm relates significantly to social justice in this particular example. Proper pay, rights and working conditions would contribute significantly to the workers well-being preventing harm and adding to social justice.
well-being
When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans there was widespread social devastation. Many lost their homes, livelihoods and in some cases loved ones in this category 5 storm resulting in the largest forced migration in recent American history (Mooney, p101). Prior to this, New Orleans was already an area of America with high poverty with most residents being black and of the working class. Katrina devastated New Orleans creating estimated damages of $200 billion (Mooney, p100). During this time there were reports of tapes and looting with increased violence as a result of a lack of security. Those affected were concerned with the lack of police presence and government intervention to protect those affected by flooding from crime. This became such a problem that police began to prevent people from entering the shelters. As a direct result of the government’s behaviour, people gathered and mobilised collectively to protest against the injustices. Many argue that Katrina was the largest social disaster of our time and indeed a huge cause of social harm to the residents of New Orleans and indeed the wider United States with a number of people being excluded from society. Social exclusion relates to the mentalities that shape policy in relation to governing populations. In this situation power was executed by the government to prevent citizens from entering the areas of safety due to a perceived threat of crime. The idea of looting and theft was looked upon as a crime against society and was punishable to that effect. It could however be argued that people were looting and committing acts of theft in order to find shelter, fresh water and food which the government did not provide them. Not only had people lost their homes, possessions and in some instances their family, but they had also been denied basic human needs. It could be argued that the government’s use of power heightened the oppression and harm of those living in post Katrina New Orleans who were already of the working class. The idea of this social exclusion is also important in this case. Problem populations are often viewed as ethnic minorities and/or criminals. Social justice mobilises people to take action for social change (Week 4, The Open University). This is exactly what had happened in New Orleans with citizens protesting against the government’s unfair treatment. Social harm in this instance brought about desire for social justice.
The tent cities in Sacramento, California began as a result of the recession of 2007.
Many people were made unemployed and as a result could not keep their homes. This city was particularly hard hit, and as a consequence all of the homeless shelters were full leaving citIzens with no other option than to live in tents. It is estimated that 500 people lose their homes each day (Week 9, The Open University). This situation gives rise to the idea of governmentalities. The authorities in this area admit that the sight of this poverty is not pretty yet they continue to fail their citizens by not providing further housing or basic needs. Most of the residents of the tent cities rely on charity workers handing out food and other supplies. The theory of responsibilisation can be looked at in this scenario. Responsibilisation is the idea that the person is responsible for creating their own success and their own happiness as a result. Social Harm is seen very clearly in Sacramento. A city which was previously affluent has now been hit by social devastation seen in recent years. Those who have lost their jobs and homes have nowhere else to go and rely on tent cities, however the state is known for its fantastic wealth with the glamour of Hollywood (Week 9, The Open University). This demonstrates the inequalities within this part of the country, which adds to the harm caused. The government, although they recognise the problems and recognise that tent cities are unsightly and …show more content…
hard to comprehend, still do nothing to counter the problem. This lack of regard for the abstract poverty suffered by many heightens the social injustice felt by both those living in the tent cities and the wider population who fear that they may be next. Social harm has a direct relation to social justice in this situation. Minorities, those in poverty and those who rely on charities for basic needs are often viewed as “problem populations” and can be subject to welfare interventions, however the lines between welfare interventions and crime control are blurred and governments often mistake like for like. Despite those who live in tent cities being classed as a problem population there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of interventions.
It is difficult to measure how much social harm connects with social justice as the definitions of what is ‘good’ and what is ‘just’ in society are constantly changing. However, it can be noted that social harm is directly reflected in social (in) justice. The example of migrant workers in Morecambe Bay prove this somewhat. Corporate crime, the lack of regard for workers safety to create large profits is but one example of the injustice and inequality faced with many who simply try to make a living in today’s society. In addition, although this is a man-made harm, there are also harms caused by other worldly factors such as that seen with Hurricane Katrina. The devastation seen by an already impoverished nation was immeasurable. The harm caused by both the weather and also by the governments lack of adequate response lead to mass social harm. Social justice was sought by this population by protests and looting to both feed themselves and to provide water. A basic human need that the government, for the most part, did not provide. Furthermore, Sacramento’s tent cities only strengthen this argument. Countless individuals face homelessness in this city every single day through job cuts and salary cuts caused by the great recession of 2007. This essay has only touched on a few social issues that intensify the value of inadequate and unequal resources for man in today’s society. Social justice is a normative concept and is contestable and changeable. Social harm has a direct connection to social justice and indeed social injustice.
Word Count: 1588
Reflection
I enjoyed working on this TMA, in particular looking at the individual case studies.
My tutors feedback helped me to focus on the question, pick out specific pieces of information and to refer to both the online and book materials. I drew on analytical skills and developed skills in learning which concepts to apply to the materials used. I was particularly interested in looking at the social harm and injustice, particularly when this has been publicised well with the recent general election. This is an interest I will continue to develop in my own time. I was faced with a challenge of time on this TMA, I have another module which the EMA is due for and it has been difficult to plan and manage both. However, now that the other module is finished I do not envisage this becoming a problem moving
forward.
References
Mooney, G. (2008), ‘Problem’ populations, ‘Problem’ places, pp98-125, in Newman, J and Yeates, N. (eds), Social Justice: Welfare, Crime and Society. Milton Keynes, The Open University.
The Open University (May 2015), Week Four – Introduction to Block Two, Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=620505 (Accessed: 13 May 2015)
The Open University (May 2015), Week 9 – The globalisation of social justice, Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=620516 (Accessed: 13 May 2015)
Widdowson, B. (2008), ‘Well-being: harm and work’, Newman, J. and Yeates, N. (eds), Social Justice: Welfare, Crime and Society. Milton Keynes, The Open University.