Six Aspects of Justice as a Grounding for Analysis and Practice in Social Work

Abstract

This manuscript explores how the question of social justice is approached by some major social work theorists in the anti-oppressive practice school. The article then draws on ideas from moral and political philosophy and from critical social theory with a view to broadening and deepening social work’s theorization of social justice. The article points to six ideas that can enhance our thinking about social justice in social work theory: i) justice as equality based on the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings, and the rights that adhere to them; ii) justice as (relative) equality through economic redistribution; iii) justice as the flourishing of all species in a healthy and sustainable (natural and built) environment; iv) justice as moral integrity; v) justice as fairness; and vi) justice as restoration and healing. A broad and nuanced understanding of “social justice” in social work is more necessary than ever, as we carry out our work in the challenging contemporary circumstances of social injustice, inequality, environmental degradation, and the politics of austerity.