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Discussion 1

Interpretations of Social Justice
 

Religious doctrine, philosophy, law, and more formalized human rights initiatives influence how people interpret social justice. While early interpretations of social justice included concepts of fairness and dignity, what constitutes social justice today remains a source of debate. Basic freedoms that are considered keystones of human rights and social justice in one region may be considered only a privilege in another. For example, according to Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,”* and yet, some countries justify the use of torture to protect national security and interests. Differing views of human rights reflect varying interpretations of social justice with no “correct” answers.
 

United Nations. (n. d.). The universal declaration of human rights. Retrieved December 9, 2010, from

http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

 

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the Course Introduction and think about ideas and concepts of social justice that are highlighted. Refer back to the Course Introduction throughout the course for reference.
• Review the article, “Social Justice in an Open World: Chapter 1: Dimensions of International Justice and Social Justice.” Consider various aspects of social justice.
• Review the book excerpts, “ Foreword,” “Preface,” and  “Part I: Human rights as the bedrock of social justice.” Pay attention to the five core notions (concepts) of human rights. Consider how the various notions (concepts) of human rights shape the idea of social justice.
• Review the book excerpt, “ Before and Beyond the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Reflect on the evolution of human rights prior to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and consider how this impacts social justice.
• Review the Interactive Map, “Social Justice Issues,”  focusing on the social justice outcomes. Select two regions on the map and think about the social justice outcomes for each. Consider how you might interpret the social justice outcomes.
• Think about your understanding of social justice.
• Consider various interpretations of social justice from your readings and from the Interactive Map, “Social Justice Issues.” Think about one interpretation with which you agree and one with which you do not agree.

With these thoughts in mind:
 

Due by Wednesday January 10, 2018, a 500-word brief description of your understanding of social justice. Briefly describe an interpretation of social justice with which you agree and the one with which you disagree. Then explain why you agree or disagree with each. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your points.
 

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Course Introduction

Welcome to Global Social Justice!

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly

—The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Regardless of nationality, race, gender, or religion, everyone is entitled to human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, written in 1948, was the first document to address global human rights. Despite its international adoption, the ideals, privileges and freedoms in this and subsequent documents are often challenged as products of biased Western cultures. In fact, the varying definitions of human rights have deep cultural roots in values and practices that may resist change, perpetuate inequity, and cause harm.

 

In this course, the first concept you explore relates to different views of human rights that reflect different interpretations of social justice. When it comes to social justice, you are likely to find that there are no correct answers. Throughout the course, you explore key philosophical concepts of global social justice and consider the following questions: At what point do cultural practices become violations of human rights? Are social injustices national or global concerns? Under what conditions does social injustice justify military intervention, if at all? How do governments and corporations help to remediate or sustain poverty? Who is responsible for helping poorer nations and how can social action be more effective?

 

At the conclusion of each week, you are asked to maintain a journal with answers to key questions about your perspectives, priorities, and roles in achieving global social justice. At the end of the course, you review your journal entries and reflect on the progression of your ideology about social justice. Most likely, your thoughts about the future of social justice will be changed forever after completing this course.

Again, welcome to Global Social Justice.

Week 1: What is Global Social Justice?

Introduction

Simply put, social justice is the concept of a “just” society based on a foundation of human rights. Most agree with the idea of basic human rights for all, yet, the nature of human rights varies dramatically around the world. When you consider social justice on a global level, think about the challenge of achieving a “just” society for every human being. What is considered “right” or “just” for all? Is it possible to have a universal acceptance of one interpretation of social justice?

This week you consider varied interpretations of social justice. You explore classic documents and analyze them for Western bias and universal applicability. Finally, you explain your personal ideology regarding social justice.

Learning Resources

Please read and view (where applicable) the following Learning Resources before you complete this week’s assignments.

·

Enter your MyWalden user name: (

patrick.boyd@waldenu.edu

) and password (3#icldyoB1) at the prompt. (if necessary)

Readings

· Book Excerpt: Wronka, J. M. (2008).

Chapter 2: Before and beyond the universal declaration of human rights

. In Human rights and social justice: Social action and service for the helping and health professions (pp. 43–65). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.

· Book Excerpt: Gil, David G. (2008).

Foreword

. In J. M. Wronka, Human rights and social justice: Social action and service for the helping and health professions (pp. xvii–xviii). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.

· Book Excerpt: Wronka, J. M. (2008).

Part I: Human rights as the bedrock of social justice

. In Human rights and social justice: Social action and service for the helping and health professions (pp. 5–36). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.

· Book Excerpt: Wronka, J. M. (2008).

Preface

. In Human rights and social justice: Social action and service for the helping and health professions (pp. xix–xxiii). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.

· Article: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. (1789). The bill of rights. Retrieved December 9, 2010, from

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html

· Article: Roosevelt, F.D. (1944). The economic bill of rights. Franklin D. Roosevelt American Heritage Center Museum. Retrieved December 9, 2010, from

http://www.fdrheritage.org/bill_of_rights.htm

· Article: United Nations, International Forum for Social Development. (2006). Dimensions of international justice and social justice. In Social justice in an open world: The role of the United Nations. Retrieved from

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/documents/ifsd/SocialJustice

· Article: United Nations. (1948). The universal declaration of human rights. Retrieved December 9, 2010, from

http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

Media

· Interactive Map:

Social Justice Issues

Transcripts of the Interactive Map, “Social Justice Issues,” are available at the following links:

Introduction

Human Rights Violations

Causes

Interventions

Social Justice Outcomes