Service as a Value of

UNIT 2 SOCIAL JUSTICE AS A VALUE Social Work

OF SOCIAL WORK
Contents *Mary Angeline Santhosam

2.0 Objectives
2.1. Introduction
2.2 Concept of Social Justice
2.3 Nature of Social Justice
2.4 Beginning of Social Justice
2.5 General Principles of Social Justice
2.6 Principles of Social Justice
2.7 Expression of Social Justice as a Value of Social Work
2.8 Social work for Social Justice
2.9 Let Us Sum Up
2.10 Further Readings and Reference

2.0 OBJECTIVES
This unit on "Social Justice as a value of social work", would acquaint you
about the concept, nature, beginning of social justice in social work. More
specifically, the unit would cover:
 Definition, concept and nature of social justice;
 Objectives and principles of social justice;
 Expression of social justice as a value of social work; and
 Social work for social justice.
After reading the unit, you would develop a comprehensive idea about Social
Justice as one of the values of social work profession. It also helps you to
understand the importance of all people to share a common humanity and
therefore have a right to equitable treatment, support for their human rights,
and a fair allocation of community resources.

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Our society requires justice so that we are able to have order and the well
being of all the people. Now the question is what kind of justice. Rich people
will argue that they want a completely liberal society where market will rule
and state will function merely to maintain law and order. This is justice for
them. Whereas socialists will say that justice is where state will control and
own all resources and there is equal distribution of resources. So what is
justice? Several thinkers have given their own view point on justice.

*Dr. Mary Angeline Santhosam, Nazareth Collage of Art and Science, Chennai 19
Value of Professional Social Justice is an area only partly covered by law; rest is covered by social
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and political ideas and practices. Justice involves giving each person his due
continues to be an important part of our present day understanding of justice.
In ancient Indian society, justice was associated with 'dharma'. Plato in 'Republic'
discusses the meaning of justice and whether the just man is happier than
the unjust man. Socrates explained that justice does not mean doing good
to our friends and harm to our enemies. Justice can be defined as 'the way
in which human rights are manifested in the everyday lives of society'.

2.2 CONCEPT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Matthew Robinson, defines "Social justice as "... promoting a just society by
challenging injustice and valuing diversity." It exists when "all people share a
common humanity and therefore have a right to equitable treatment, support
for their human rights, and a fair allocation of community resources." In conditions
of social justice, people are "not be discriminated against, nor their welfare
and well-being constrained or prejudiced on the basis of gender, sexuality,
religion, political affiliations, age, race, belief, disability, location, social class,
socioeconomic circumstances, or other characteristic of background or group
membership" (Toowoomba Catholic Education, 2006).
Social justice is generally equated with the notion of equality or equal opportunity
in society. Although equality is undeniably part of social justice, the meaning
of social justice is actually much broader (Scherlen and Robinson, 2008). Further,
"equal opportunity" and similar phrases such as "personal responsibility" have
been used to diminish the prospective for realizing social justice by justifying
enormous inequalities in modern society (Berry, 2005). The most recent theories
of and scholarly statements about social justice illustrate the complex nature
of the concept.
Two of the most prominent statements about social justice, each of which
posits its own theory of social justice, are John Rawls' (2003) Justice as Fairness
and David Miller's (2003) Principles of Social Justice. While neither of these
theories can be considered an exhaustive treatment of the subject matter, each
offers a complex theory of social justice that illustrates its broad meaning.
Both conceptions of social justice are similar, so there is significant overlap
between the main ideas of the theorists; this is likely due to the fact that
they are founded on like principles and based on previously posited theories
from significant historical political philosophers (Brighouse, 2005).
Below, the social justice theories of John Rawls and David Miller are thoroughly
summarized. By understanding the arguments of these two authors, the purposes
of the Center for Social Justice and Human Rights should become clearer.
The term social justice was first used in 1840 by a Sicilian priest, Luigi Taparelli
d'Azeglio, and given prominence by Antonio Rosmini Serbati in La Costitutione
Civile Secondo la Giustizia Sociale in 1848. It has also enjoyed a significant
audience among theorists since John Rawls book. A Theory of Justice has
used it as a pseudonym of distributive justice.
The concept of social justice is a revolutionary concept which provides meaning
and significance to life and makes the rule of law dynamic. When Indian society
20 seeks to meet the challenge of socio-economic inequality by its legislation and
with the assistance of the rule of law, it seeks to achieve economic justice Social
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without any violent conflict. The ideal of a welfare state postulates unceasing
pursuit of the doctrine of social justice. That is the significance and importance
of the concept of social justice in the Indian context of today.
The idea of welfare state is that the claims of social justice must be treated
as cardinal and paramount. Social justice is not a blind concept or a preposterous
dogma. It seeks to do justice to all the citizen of the state. Democracy, therefore,
must not show excess of valour by imposing unnecessary legislative regulations
and prohibitions, in the same way as they must not show timidity in attacking
the problem of inequality by refusing the past the necessary and reasonable
regulatory measures at all. Constant endeavour has to be made to sustain
individual freedom and liberty and subject them to reasonable regulation and
control as to achieve socio-economic justice. Social justice must be achieved
by adopting necessary and reasonable measures. That, shortly stated, is the
concept of social justice and its implications. Citizens zealous of their individual
freedom and liberty must co-operate with democracy which seeks to regulate
freedom and liberty in the interest of social good, but they must be able
to resist the imposition of any restraints on individual liberty and freedom which
are not rationally and reasonably required in the interests of public good, in
a democratic way. It is in the light of these difficult times that the rule of
law comes into operation and the judges have to play their role without fear
or favour, uninfluenced by any considerations of dogma or isms. The term
social justice is a blanket term so as to include both social justice and economic
justice.

2.3 NATURE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

This vice of social inequality assumes a particularly reprehensible form in relation
to the backward classes and communities which are treated as untouchable;
and so the problem of social justice is as urgent and important in India as
is the problem of economic justice. Equality of opportunity to all the citizens
to develop their individual personalities and to participate in the pleasures and
happiness of life is the goal of economic justice. The concept of social justice
thus takes within its sweep the objectives of removing all inequalities and affording
equal opportunities to all citizens in social affairs as well as economic activities.
The problem of poverty and unequal distribution of wealth may be confined
to the bigger cities and towns in India but the problem accentuated by the
vice of social inequality existing in a gross form prevails in all of our villages.
For instance, the harijans constitute a large class of landless labourers who
are treated as untouchables by the rest of the community, who have no house
to live in, generally no clothes to wear, who do not get food to eat & sometimes
even decent drinking water is beyond their reach. The poor also have no
access to legal assistance. Poor people are vulnerable to injustice. Poverty
fosters frustration, ill feeling and a brooding sense of injustice. Democracy realizes
that this problem which concerns a large number of citizens cannot be successfully
met unless law is used wisely to restore balance to the economic structure
and to remove the causes of economic inequality.
The Constitution of India and Social Justice
The Constitution of India has solemnly promised to all its citizens justices- 21
Value of Professional social, economic and political; liberty of thought expression, belief, faith and
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worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among all fraternity
assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation. The Constitution
has attempted to attune the apparently conflicting claims of socio-economic
justice and of individual liberty and fundamental rights by putting some relevant
provisions.
Article 19 enshrines the fundamental rights of the citizens of this country. The
seven sub-clauses of Article 19(1) guarantee the citizens seven different kinds
of freedom and recognize them as their fundamental rights. Article 19 considered
as a whole furnishes a very satisfactory and rational basis for adjusting the
claims of individual rights of freedom and the claims of public good.
Articles 23 and 24 provide for fundamental rights against exploitation. Article
24, in particular, prohibits an employer from employing a child below the age
of 14 years in any factory or mine or in any other hazardous employment.
Article 31 makes a specific provision in regard to the fundamental right to
property and deals with the vexed problem of compulsory acquisition of property.
Article 38 requires that the state should make an effort to promote the welfare
of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social
order in which justice social, economic and political shall inform all the institutions
of national life. Article 39 clause (a) says that the State shall secure that the
operation of the legal system promotes justice, on a basis of equal opportunity,
and shall, in particular provide free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes,
or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not
denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities.
Article 41 recognizes every citizen's right to work, to education & to public
assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness & disablement and
in other cases of undeserved want. Article 42 stresses the importance of securing
just and humane conditions of work & for maternity relief. Article 43 holds
before the working population the ideal of the living wage and Article 46
emphasizes the importance of the promotion of educational and economic interests
of schedule castes, schedule tribes and other weaker sections.
The social problem presented by the existence of a very large number of
citizens who are treated as untouchables has received the special attention of
the Constitution as Article 15 (1) prohibits discrimination on the grounds of
religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. The state would be entitled to
make special provisions for women and children, and for advancement of any
social and educationally backward classes of citizens, or for the SC/STs. A
similar exception is provided to the principle of equality of opportunity prescribed
by Article 16 (1) in as much as Article 16(4) allows the state to make provision
for the resolution of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class
of citizens which, in the opinion of the state, is not adequately represented
in the services under the state. Article 17 proclaims that untouchability has
been abolished and forbids its practice in any form & it provides that the
enforcement of untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with
law. This is the code of provisions dealing with the problem of achieving the
ideal of socio- economic justice in this country which has been prescribed
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by the Constitution of India.
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2.4 BEGINNING OF SOCIAL JUSTICE of Social
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Ever since its formal inauguration in the late 19th century, social work has
always paid attention to social justice issues. Since its beginning, social workers
have wrestled with the complex relationship between "case" and "cause" and
between amelioration of individual suffering and social change that addresses
the structural flaws and injustices in the broader society that foster the problems
people experience.
Social work's earliest concern with justice has its roots in the Bible and religion.
Acts of charity were meant to fulfill God's commandments as much as to
be genuine acts of kindness. However, by the late 19th-century, criticism of
religious charity was mounting because of its somewhat moralistic and paternalistic
image; this concern led to the invention of the more secular phrase we continue
to use: "social welfare." The complex events associated with the early 20th-
century Progressive Era, settlement house movement, and the nation's most
severe economic depression helped turn social workers' values and attention
toward the daunting social welfare problems of the broader society. Social
workers could not help but recognize the need to examine the structural flaws
that created widespread vulnerability and dependency.
The aftermath of the Great Depression signaled a noteworthy split in social
work's basic priorities. A significant portion of the profession continued to
concentrate on clinical and psychotherapeutic work, emphasizing individual change
and well-being, while other practitioners 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. Ever since that era,
social workers have struggled to blend the profession's diverse and simultaneous
commitments to clinical and broader social justice issues.
Although social work's involvement in social justice issues and related social
action has waxed and waned since the profession's early years, social work
has sustained its ideological commitment to social justice. Thoughtful social workers
have always understood 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. Treating individuals' private troubles is important but ultimately may
have limited impact if the public issues that create the private troubles are
not addressed.
As the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics states,
"Social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure
that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and
opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop
fully. Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena
on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve
social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice"
(Standard 6.04[a]).
Perhaps the most clear and compelling evidence of social work's truly unique
commitment to social justice can he seen in the Code of Ethics for social
workers by IGNOU. 23
Value of Professional "The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-
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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. A historic and defining feature of social work is the
profession's focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-
being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental
forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living."
Genuinely embracing this fundamental value is exactly how the profession can
continue to keep social justice in social work.

2.5 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

There are three principles of social justice: equal treatment for equals,
proportionate justice and recognition of social justice.
The principle of treating equals equally requires that there is no discrimination
on the grounds of class, caste, race or gender. Justice implies rewarding people
in proportion to the scale and quality of their efforts.
The second principle states that social and economic positions should be
advantageous and open to all. Equal opportunities concentrate on treating all
people equally and giving them equal rights. A just society should provide
people with the basic minimum conditions to enable them to live healthy and
secure lives and develop their talents as well as equal opportunities to pursue
their chosen goals in society. Free market is the basis of free and just society.
To remove social and economic inequalities, role of the state cannot be
undermined. Politics is about the negotiation of such disagreements through debate.
The third principle of justice which we recognise is for a society should take
into account special needs of the people while distributing rewards and duties.
Indian Constitution abolished the practice of untouchability to promote social
equality especially for the scheduled castes and tribes. Social justice requires
that people be treated equally in terms of laws and policies of the society
and they enjoy some basic equality of life conditions and opportunities. Some
state governments have redistributed important resources by instituting land
reforms. Rawls theory's first principle guarantees the right to each person to
have the most extensive basic liberty, which is compatible with the liberty of
others.
Social justice principles refer to values "that favours measures that aim at
decreasing or eliminating inequity; promoting inclusiveness of diversity; and
establishing environments that are supportive of all people." The social justice
principles include: equity, diversity and supportive environments.
"Equity means that resources are allocated in accordance with the needs of
individuals and populations with the desired goal of equality of outcomes."
Diversity refers to the differences that exist between individuals and people
groups. Supportive environments are environments where "people live, work
and play that protect people from threats to health and that increase their
ability to make health-promoting choices." The social justice principles seek
to recognise and address both the health outcomes, such as: incidence and
prevalence of disease, and death rates, and the factors that influence health,
24 such as: socio economic status, environment, and cultural factors.
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Note: Use the space provided for your answer.
1. What are the general Principles of Social Justice?
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2.6 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Principles of Social Justice
Social justice is a broader concept based on social, cultural, economical, and
political status of a country. Principles are the vital bases for the formation
of social justice strategies and achievement of social justice at all the levels
of society.
 The principle of human dignity
Every person regardless of race, gender, and background deserves dignity
because we are made in the image and likeness of god. Dignity is a
term used in moral ethical legal and political discussions to signify that
a being has an innate right to be valued and receive ethical treatment.
It is an extension of the Enlightment era concepts of inherent, inalienable
rights. Dignity is often used in proscriptive and cautionary ways.
 The principle of respect for human life
Every stage of life- womb to tomb- is worthy of our respect and protection.
All individual human beings are presumed to be free and responsible persons
and should be treated as such in proportion to their ability in the
circumstances. Individuals with reduced autonomy are entitled to appropriate
protection, according to the principles of subsidiary, human dignity, justice,
charity, and vicarious consent.
 The principle of rights and responsibilities
Rights: claims made on a society that help humans lead a truly human
life.
Responsibilities: correspond to rights. The protection of human dignity
is the foundation upon which an understanding of rights and responsibilities
rests. The human person, made in God's image and likeness, is born into
a community of relationships and is social by nature. Rights and responsibilities
are seen as the demands of upholding and defending human dignity in
the social, economic and political spheres.
 The principle of the common good
Social conditions that allow people to reach their full human potential,
Common good consists of all the conditions of society and the goods
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Value of Professional secured by those conditions, common good presupposes respect for persons,
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it obligates public authorities to respect the fundamental human rights of
each person. Society should allow each of its members to fulfill his or
her vocation. In so far as it presupposes social welfare, the common good
requires that the infrastructure of society is conducive to the social well
being and development of its individual members.
 Principle of Priority for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test of any community or society is the way in which the
most vulnerable members are faring. In a society characterized by deepening
divisions between rich and poor, the needs of those most at risk should
be considered a priority. This principle advocates for living conditions
conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and to promote social,
economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible
with the realization of social justice.
 The Principle of Solidarity
We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic,
and ideological differences. An ethic of care acknowledging our
interdependence belongs in every aspect of human experience including the
family, community, society and global dimensions. Solidarity highlights in
a particular way the intrinsic social nature of the human person, the equality
of all in dignity and rights and the common path of individuals and peoples
towards an ever more committed unity.
 The Principle of Stewardship
It is incumbent upon us to recognize and protect the value of all people
and all resources on our planet. While rights to personal property are
recognized, these rights are not unconditional and are secondary to the
best interest of the common good especially in relation to the right of
all individuals to meet their basic needs. Stewardship of resources is important
at all levels/settings: family, community, agency, and society.
 Principle of Subsidiary
Governance structures in all levels/settings have an imperative role to promote
human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. While
the principle of subsidiary calls for the functions of government to be
performed at the lowest level possible in order to assure for self-determination
and empowerment, higher levels of government have the responsibility to
provide leadership and set policy in the best interest of the common good.
 Principle of Participation
All people have a right to participate in the economic, political and cultural
life of society. Social justice and human dignity require that all people
be assured a minimum level of participation in the community. It is the
ultimate injustice for a person or a group to be excluded unfairly.
 Principle of Promotion of Peace
In light of the human dignity and worth of all and the ethical imperatives
of solidarity and stewardship, we are called to promote peace and non-
violence at all levels - within families, communities, society and globally.
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 Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon the respect and Social
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cooperation between peoples and nations.

2.7 EXPRESSION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AS A

VALUE OF SOCIAL WORK
"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. A historic and defining feature of social work is the
profession's focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-
being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental
forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.
Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf
of clients. "Clients" is used inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and
ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other
forms of social injustice. These activities may be in the form of direct practice,
community organizing, supervision, consultation, administration, advocacy, social
and political action, policy development and implementation, education, and
research and evaluation. Social workers seek to enhance the capacity of people
to address their own needs. Social workers also seek to promote the
responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions to
individuals' "needs and social problems." - Preamble, NASW Code of Ethics.
Russian code (Union of Social Educators and Social Workers, 2003) gives
ample importance to the value of social justice. It states that social justice
and humanism are values of social and social - pedagogical work.
They include:
 fair and equal distribution of resources for satisfaction of the person's
basic social needs;
 creation and observance of guaranteed equal opportunities of using the
potential of the state and public social services, organizations, associations;
 maintenance of equal rights and opportunities of their realization at the
reference and protection according to the law.

Check Your Progress II

Note: Use the space provided for your answer.
1. Enlist the value of Social Justice according to Russian Code.
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Value of Professional The Russian code further clarifies the value of social justice in the context
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of social workers and social educators:
 reveal and adequately react to social conditions which result in social
contradictions, difficulties and sufferings of people, or prevent their
simplification; influence the formation of the social policy promoting fair
satisfaction of social needs of people according to their opportunities and
the level of professional activity;
 observe social justice and distribute social resources on equal rights basis
and carry out social pedagogical work. The purpose of this work is expansion
of choice and opportunities for all clients, including, deprived, socially
vulnerable or oppressed, or for those people who require specific help;
 conduct active work improving the activity of social institutes, political
structures, certain political leaders and local heads with the purpose of
elimination of infringements of civil, political, economic, social and cultural
human rights;
 convince each client that their actions are not dictated by biases against
somebody (a person or any group), including background, ethnic and cultural
belonging, class, status, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical condition,
beliefs;
 conduct the practical work directed on development of client's opportunities,
help certain persons, families, groups, communities in their aspiration to
solve social problems by their own, promote their positive self-fulfillment,
independence of their choice and improvement of social welfare;
 develop first of all volunteers' participation among young people in improving
social and social - pedagogical work, social processes and social services,
support the activity of public organizations and associations of social
orientation, as well as by means of personal participation in them.
Similar views can also be observed in the code of ethics of Australian Association
of Social Workers (AASW), Code of Ethics for Social Workers in India,
and Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). According to AASW
"Social work profession holds that social justice is a core obligation which
societies should be called upon to uphold. Societies should strive to afford
protection and provide maximum benefit for all their members. The social work
profession promotes justice and social fairness, by acting to reduce barriers
and to expand choice and potential for all persons, with special regard for
those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable, oppressed or have exceptional needs"
(AASW, 2010). CASW states that "Social workers believe in the obligation
of people, individually and collectively, to provide resources, services and
opportunities for the overall benefit of humanity and to afford them protection
from harm. Social workers promote social fairness and the equitable distribution
of resources, and act to reduce barriers and expand choice for all persons,
with special regard for those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, vulnerable,
and/or have exceptional needs. Social workers oppose prejudice and
discrimination against any person or group of persons, on any grounds, and
specifically challenge views and actions that stereotype particular persons or
groups". (CASW, 2005).
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The professional consensus is that the goal of social work is to better the Social
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life of the oppressed and the exploited and those facing barriers to self-fulfillment.
The mission of social work is to turn the skills of the disadvantaged to their
own advantage and, in so doing, to solve or ameliorate social problems.
Social work is a practice based profession aimed at helping people address
their problems and to lead healthy and productive lives. The process of help
extended to the clients by the social work professional rests on the value
of social justice. Social workers through various methods of social work and
techniques help the people to open the doors of access and opportunity especially
to those in greatest need namely, the marginalized, dalits and minorities of
all kinds.The value of social justice will enable the social workers to fight
for the formulation of policies, programmes and activities which promotes and
uphold human rights, participation and protection for all the persons in the
society irrespective of their differences.
The value of social justice will guide the social workers for the anti-oppressive
and anti discriminative efforts and to fight against the discriminations based
on national origin, ethnicity, culture, appearance, language, sex, sexual orientation,
ability, age, place of residence, religion, political affiliation and social and economic
differences. Social workers need to empower the individuals, groups, families
and the larger communities in their fight for social justice.With homeless clients,
for example, social workers make sure that their clients have access to food,
shelter and health care. The same is true for children.Social workers may work
to protect them from abuse of any kind or to ensure that they are receiving
the educational and health benefits that are rightfully theirs. In the case of
tribes, social workers will ensure that they are benefiting from the various
programmes and policies of governments and to empower them to fight for
their rights. Social workers also apply social-justice principles to problems in
the society and to fight for justice. With the goal of empowering people in
need social workers will use knowledge of existing legal principles and
organizational structure to and demand for new policies to protect the rights
of the marginalized.
Every person regardless of his/her roles in society has basic human rights,
such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care,
and education. Social work aims at ensuring the incorporation of value of
social justice in organizations and institutions, and in practice of social work
with individuals, groups, families and in the larger society. It strives to ensure
that these basic human rights are distributed equitably and without prejudice
and social justice is protected.

2.8 SOCIAL WORK FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE: TEN

PRINCIPLES (NASW CODE OF ETHICS)
Human Dignity
Dignity of the human person is the ethical foundation of a moral society. The
measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and
dignity of the human person. Social workers respect the inherent dignity and
worth of all individuals. Social workers treat each person in a caring, respectful
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Value of Professional manner mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social
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workers seek to promote the responsiveness of organizations, communities and
social institutions to individuals' needs and social problems. Social workers act
to prevent and eliminate domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against
any person or group on any basis.
Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
In a marketplace where profit often takes precedence over the dignity and
rights of workers, it is important to recognize that the economy must serve
the people, not the other way around. If the dignity of work is to be protected,
the basic rights of workers must be respected - the right to productive work,
to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property
and to economic initiative. Social workers challenge injustice related to
unemployment, workers' rights and inhumane labor practices. Social workers
engage in organized action, including the formation of and participation in labor
unions, to improve services to clients and working conditions.
Rights and Responsibilities
People have a right and a responsibility to participate in society and to work
together toward the common good. Human dignity is protected and healthy
community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities
are met. Accordingly, every person has a fundamental right to things necessary
for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are responsibilities to family,
community and society. Social workers, mindful of individual differences and
diversity, respect and promote the right of all individuals to self determination
and personal growth and development. Social workers provide education and
advocacy to protect human rights and end oppression. Social workers empower
individuals/groups to function as effectively as possible.
Stewardship
It is incumbent upon us to recognize and protect the value of all people and
all resources on our planet. While rights to personal property are recognized,
these rights are not unconditional and are secondary to the best interest of
the common good especially in relation to the right of all individuals to meet
their basic needs. Stewardship of resources is important at all levels/settings:
family, community, agency, community and society. Social workers strive to
ensure access to needed information, services and resources; equality of
opportunity; and meaningful participation for all people. Social workers promote
the general welfare of people and their environments.
Priority for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test of any community or society is the way in which the
most vulnerable members are faring. In a society characterized by deepening
divisions between rich and poor, the needs of those most at risk should be
considered a priority. Social workers advocate for living conditions conducive
to the fulfillment of basic human needs and to promote social, economic, political,
and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of
social justice. Social workers pursue change with and on behalf of vulnerable
and oppressed individuals and groups to: address poverty, unemployment,
30
discrimination and other forms of social injustice; expand choice and opportunity; Social
Service
Justiceasasa aValue
Value
of
of Social
Social Work
work
and promote social justice.
Governance/Principle of Subsidiarity
Governance structures in all levels/settings have an imperative to promote human
dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. While the principle
of subsidiarity calls for the functions of government to be performed at the
lowest level possible in order to insure for self-determination and empowerment,
higher levels of government have the responsibility to provide leadership and
set policy in the best interest of the common good. Social workers engage
in social and political action in order to promote equality, challenge injustice,
expand opportunity and empower individuals, families and groups to participate
in governance structures at all levels.
Participation
All people have a right to participate in the economic, political and cultural
life of society. Social justice and human dignity require that all people be assured
a minimum level of participation in the community. It is the ultimate injustice
for a person or a group to be excluded unfairly. Social workers strive to
ensure access to equal opportunity and meaningful participation for all. Social
workers empower individuals and groups to influence social policies and
institutions and promote social justice. Social workers advocate for change to
ensure that all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities
required to meet basic needs and develop fully.
Promotion of Peace
In light of the human dignity and worth of all and the ethical imperatives of
solidarity and stewardship, we are called to promote peace and non-violence
at all levels - within families, communities, society and globally. Peace is the
fruit of justice and is dependent upon the respect and cooperation between
peoples and nations. Social workers promote peace and the general welfare
of society from local to global levels.
Social work practice at all levels strives towards social justice.
Social work practice:
 direct service
 community organizing
 supervision
 consultation
 administration
 advocacy
 social and political action
 policy development and implementation
 education 31
Value of Professional  research and evaluation
Social Work
At all levels:
with individuals, families and groups -- at the micro level
organizations and communities -- at the meso level
society and the global community -- at the macro level
Strives toward social justice through these principles which are articulated by
numerous faith traditions:
 Human dignity
 Community and the common good
 Rights and responsibilities
 Priority for the poor and vulnerable
 Participation
 Dignity of work and the rights of workers
 Solidarity
 Stewardship
 Governance/subsidiarity
 Promotion of peace

2.9 LET US SUM UP

In this unit we discussed the concept, nature and beginnings of Social Justice.
We tried to understand the Principles of Social Justice and expression of social
justice as a value of social work. It further addresses on how Social work
practice strives towards social justice at all levels. The unit also tries to understand
the principles of Social justice according to Code of Ethics of various associations.
To conclude the unit gave a overview of the concept, definition, history, principles
and areas of service.

2.10 FURTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES

Alan Van Gunder, Victor Kappeler, Feminist Theory, Crime and Social Justice,
Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group , Anderson Publishing, 2014
Anshuman Gupta, Concept Of Social Justice And The Poor, Jamia Millia Islamia
A Social Work Tradition (Http://Www.Socialworktoday.Com/News/
Eoe_0306.Shtml)
Catholic Bishops, Office Of Social Justice - Archdiocese Of St. Paul And
Minneapolis
Cyndy Caravelia, Mathew B.Robinson, Social Justice and Criminal Justice, What
are Justice and Social Justice?, Page 8, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group,
32 2016
Epaminondas Farmakis, Social Justice And Economic Growth: Strange Bedfellows Social
Service
Justiceasasa aValue
Value
of
of Social
Social Work
work
Or Partners In Prosperity, 2015
Http://Www.Extramarks.Com/Cbse-Class-11/Political-Science-Social-Justice
Https://Gjs.Appstate.Edu/Social-Justice-And-Human-Rights/What-Social-Justice
Https://Gjs.Appstate.Edu/Social-Justice-And-Human-Rights/What-Social-Justice
Https://Www.Pdhpe.Net/Health-Priorities-In-Australia/How-Are-Priority-Issues-
For-Australias-Health-Identified/Identifying-Priority-Health-Issues/Social-Justice-
Principles/#_Ftn2
http://www.socialworkfootprints.org/ugc-net--social-work/unit-ix-social-justice-suma-
kg-laxman-toli
h t t p : / / w w w. d i s a b i l i t y g a u t e n g . o r g / n e w s l e t t e r s / s e p t 2 0 1 6 /
04_NEWSLETTER_SEPT.htm
John Rawls, (1971). A Theory Of Justice Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Ravindra Sing, Aneesh Kurian, Social Justice

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