Social justice and ethics are closely related but distinct concepts. Ethics refers to a set of moral principles guiding individual behavior, while social justice focuses on creating a fair and equitable society for all. Ethics informs how we act, while social justice addresses what kind of society we should strive to build.
Ethics: Individual Moral Principles
Ethics are the principles of right and wrong that guide individual conduct. They dictate how we should behave in our interactions with others, considering fairness, honesty, and respect. A code of ethics, like that of social workers (https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English), often emphasizes core values such as:
- Dignity and worth of the person: Treating everyone with respect and recognizing their inherent value.
- Importance of human relationships: Building strong and positive relationships.
- Integrity: Acting honestly and ethically in all situations.
- Competence: Developing and maintaining the skills and knowledge necessary to perform your duties effectively.
Ethical decisions involve assessing the potential consequences of actions and choosing the course that best aligns with these principles (https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/justice-and-fairness/). The ethics of justice, for example, emphasizes applying universal principles and rules fairly (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11114990/).
Social Justice: Societal Equity
Social justice, conversely, aims to create a society where all individuals have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment (https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/what-is-social-justice/). It acknowledges systemic inequalities and works to address them through policy, advocacy, and social change. Social justice demands that we continually examine ethical, cultural, and legal frameworks to ensure fairness (https://www.mnpsych.org/index.php?option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&category=event%20recap&id=160:social-justice-and-ethics-dilemmas-and-opportunities-for-psychologists).
Examples of social justice issues include:
- Racial inequality: Addressing systemic racism in areas like employment, housing, and the criminal justice system.
- Gender inequality: Promoting equal pay, opportunities, and representation for women.
- Economic inequality: Reducing the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
Social work, for instance, deeply integrates social justice into its core values and practice (https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/admissions/is-social-work-right-career-for-me/values-ethics.html, https://onlinesocialwork.vcu.edu/blog/social-work-and-social-justice/, https://www.onlinemswprograms.com/social-work/what-is-social-justice/). It challenges social injustices and works to create a more equitable society for vulnerable populations.
The Interplay Between Ethics and Social Justice
Ethical considerations underpin social justice efforts. Individual ethical choices contribute to broader societal change. For example, acting ethically in one's profession and advocating for policies promoting social justice are interconnected. The concept of occupational justice, a subset of social justice, emphasizes enabling people to participate fully in society based on their capabilities (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14427591.2017.1294016).
