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Essays on Social Justice

Prompt samples for crafting a social justice essay.

Starting with the right prompt can set the tone for a powerful social justice essay. Prompts such as "Analyze the impact of systemic racism on education" or "Explore the role of social media in social justice movements" encourage critical thinking and provide a clear direction for your research and argumentation.

Brainstorming and Selecting a Compelling Social Justice Essay Topic

Choosing an impactful topic is crucial for writing an engaging social justice essay. Consider the following points during your brainstorming session:

• Relevance: Select a topic that is timely and resonates with current social justice issues.
• Passion: Choose an issue you are passionate about. Authentic interest will enhance your writing.
• Originality: Aim for a unique angle or perspective to stand out.
• Researchability: Ensure there are ample resources and research available on your chosen topic.

Innovative Social Justice Essay Topics

Avoid common and broad topics by focusing on specific issues. Here are several thought-provoking essay topics:

• The Intersectionality of Gender, Race, and Class in Education Disparities
• Critical Analysis of Environmental Justice in Urban Planning
• The Influence of Art and Culture in Propagating Social Justice Movements
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Restorative Justice in Criminal Justice Reform
• The Role of Technology in Enhancing Accessibility and Advocacy

Inspirational Phrases and Paragraph Samples for Your Social Justice Essay

Here are examples of paragraphs and phrases to inspire your writing and help structure your essay:

Analyzing the Role of Social Media in Amplifying Social Justice Movements

Social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for social justice advocacy, enabling grassroots movements to gain global attention. This section explores how digital activism transforms public discourse and mobilizes support for social justice causes.

The Critical Impact of Environmental Injustice on Marginalized Communities

Environmental injustice perpetuates inequality, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. This analysis delves into case studies where environmental policies have failed these communities and proposes solutions for equitable environmental governance.

Exploring Intersectionality as a Framework for Social Justice

Intersectionality provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the multifaceted nature of oppression. By examining the intersections of race, gender, and class, this essay highlights the importance of an inclusive social justice movement.

"Broken System": a Comprehensive Analysis

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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: a Better Society

A definition of social justice, political and social injustice in america, environment for social justice and equality, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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Death Penalty and Social Justice in The United States

Injustice in treatment of disabled people in society, critical analysis of me too movement, social justice: triple talaq and muslim men and women in india, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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The Biblical Prophets' Teachings on The Love of God in Social Justice

The issues of death penalties and social justice in the united states, social justice orientation and multicultural environment, my attitude towards plato’s republic and the idea of state’s justice, romanticism and realism's approach to social justice, the connection of "station eleven" and other books to concepts of social justice, the importance of resistance to injustice in just mercy, social justice as the elusive goal of the communist manifesto, the issue of american racism in stevenson’s just mercy, importance of rebellion in the world, tension between benevolence and morals, why the approach by richard spencer on white nationalism and social justice is wrong, the topic of eugenics and church's view on social justice, the poverty and social justice folklore in appalachia, a region in the eastern united states of america, the role of canadian charter of rights and freedoms, the major projects, success, and orientation towards social justice of the organization samaritan's purse, overview of advantages and disadvantages of confidentiality, an overview of history and definition of mob lynching, "environmental and social justice movement" in the book blessed unrest by paul hawken, overview of social control theories.

Social justice is justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.

In Western and Asian cultures, the concept of social justice has often referred to the process of ensuring that individuals fulfill their societal roles and receive what was their due from society. In the current movements for social justice, the emphasis has been on the breaking of barriers for social mobility, the creation of safety nets, and economic justice. Social justice assigns rights and duties in the institutions of society, which enables people to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation.

The relevant institutions often include taxation, social insurance, public health, public school, public services, labor law and regulation of markets, to ensure distribution of wealth, and equal opportunity.

The five main principles of social justice include access to resources, equity, participation, diversity, and human rights.

1. Tyler, T. R. (2000). Social justice: Outcome and procedure. International journal of psychology, 35(2), 117-125. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1080/002075900399411) 2. Zajda, J., Majhanovich, S., & Rust, V. (2006). Introduction: Education and social justice. International Review of Education/Internationale Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft/Revue Internationale de l'Education, 9-22. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/29737064) 3. Capper, C. A., Theoharis, G., & Sebastian, J. (2006). Toward a framework for preparing leaders for social justice. Journal of educational administration. (https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09578230610664814/full/html) 4. Leach, M., Stirling, A. C., & Scoones, I. (2010). Dynamic sustainabilities: technology, environment, social justice (p. 232). Taylor & Francis. (https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/52748) 5. Kluegel, J. R., Mason, D. S., & Wegener, B. (1995). Social justice and political change. De Gruyter.. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110868944/html) 6. Duff, W. M., Flinn, A., Suurtamm, K. E., & Wallace, D. A. (2013). Social justice impact of archives: a preliminary investigation. Archival Science, 13, 317-348. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10502-012-9198-x) 7. McKenzie, K. B., Christman, D. E., Hernandez, F., Fierro, E., Capper, C. A., Dantley, M., ... & Scheurich, J. J. (2008). From the field: A proposal for educating leaders for social justice. Educational administration quarterly, 44(1), 111-138. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0013161X07309470?journalCode=eaqa) 8. Nussbaum, M. (2002). Capabilities and social justice. International Studies Review, 4(2), 123-135. (https://academic.oup.com/isr/article-abstract/4/2/123/1794864) 9. Apple, M. W. (2009). Global crises, social justice, and education. In Global crises, social justice, and education (pp. 9-32). Routledge. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203861448-5/global-crises-social-justice-education-michael-apple) 10. Jost, J. T., & Kay, A. C. (2010). Social justice: History, theory, and research. (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-03506-030)

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Social Justice - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities. Essays could explore the various theories of social justice, historical and contemporary social justice movements, and the ongoing challenges in achieving social justice globally. They might also discuss the role of individuals, communities, and nations in promoting social justice and addressing systemic inequalities. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Social Justice you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

How to Achieve Social Justice

We are all one in this world. There is no race, sexual orientation, gender, rich or poor, or even prejudice against all. But that would give the world a utopian atmosphere, and quite frankly, we are not there yet. This would be best defined as social justice. Social Justice is a concept of a society in which every human being is treated fair and equal, without any form of discrimination. It is in my belief, that how the system is […]

Catholic Social Justice Community Service Reflection

Catholic Social Justice is the call to help one another as well as the world in general. It is a commitment that arises from experiencing Christ in the Eucharist. These catholic social justices that we all must commit to are as follows: life and dignity of the human person, call to family, community, and participation, rights and responsibilities, option for the poor and vulnerable, the dignity of work and the right of workers, solidarity, and care for God’s creation. All […]

The Era of Social Injustice

"Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children" (King 1). Back during the Civil Rights Movement African Americans were penalized due to their skin color and were not offered the same rights as people with white skin. African Americans were treated with no respect and were given the impression that they had no place […]

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Social Justice System

Most of the complaints have different applications of the death penalty, police brutality, racial profiling, sentencing disparity, and different treatment of minorities by the Criminal justice system. Everything that happens in court is suppose to be lawful and took into consideration, that your life could be on the line and how many years being spent could affect you and the people around you. The color of someone skin shouldn't be a reason to put them in jail but the supreme […]

Understanding of the Social Justice

When people hear social justice, they may not really understand what the term means and may assume it is just a form of freedom and our rights. According to the Oxford dictionary, Social Justice is justice regarding the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. However, I do not believe that definition is completely correct. What it fails to acknowledge is that the distribution should be equal among individuals of a society. If it is not equal for […]

Michael Walzer’s Theory of Justice

Promp: Michael Walzer's theory of justice provides us with the means of greatly reducing domination within, as well as between, the spheres of life upon which he focuses? Michael Walzer is a prominent American political theorist and a pioneer of moral philosophy. He has written many influential essays and books on which are all-encompassing to many prevalent issues. His questions are centered around the ethics of distributive justice within particular frames of social reference. Most notably, his book Spheres of Justice […]

A Problem of Social Justice in World

Multiple people are discriminated for their race, their religion, or their sexuality. The idea of entitlement has been an issue in the United States for centuries. Even before the United States became a country in 1776, racial prejudice existed. At first it was the Native Americans' who were looked down on and forced to do the new white settlers dirty work. Then it became African Americans. Whites have been seen to be superior to African Americans for many years, more […]

Social Justice for African American Women

Are African American women not being treated fairly? Are Black women being discriminated against more without holding a high school diploma or some degree? Does slavery play a part in how Black women are treated today? Racial discrimination plays a part in the crime and social justice of gender inequality on African American women. Since slavery is over, African American women have the same rights as White people. However, discrimination still takes place today. Authors such as Areva Martin, Guest […]

A Social Workers in the United States

On February 14th 2011, twins Nubia and Victor Barahona fell victim to their abusive father. The children were found locked in their father’s truck in West Palm Beach, Florida. Nubia was dead and Victor has severe chemical burns all over his tiny body. An anonymous tip was called into the child abuse hotline but the social worker Andrea Fleary was so backlogged with cases that it took her 4 days to conduct a welfare check. That was precious time taken […]

Mental Illness and Social Justice

Mental illness has a history in the United States since colonial times, possibly even before. The first hospital specializing in mental health opened in 1773 in the United States. Prior to 1773, individuals were left to care for themselves or be cared for by family members or they were placed in jail for criminal behavior. In the mid-1800s, Dorothea Dix noticed the inhumane treatment of prisoners and the mentally ill in prisons and institutions. Patients were often living in deplorable […]

Crime and Social Justice on Gender Inequality

I'm using these five sources to talk about crime and social justice on gender inequality. Gender inequality is more of a social injustice because gender inequality is an unfair practice between men and women being carried out in the society. Within discussing this topic, I talk about racism and sexism. My topic is towards African Americans and women in the workplace. How come African American women or women, in general, are not seen as an equal to men? Cheeks, Maura. […]

A Problem of Social Injustices

There have been many unjust systems when it comes to the law providing help for the people and social injustice throughout times when it came to gender for many years, women have come along way throughout the years to become a significant role in what goes on in the law system and empowering women to be able to be in most careers that were thought before to not be suitable for women. And, an issue we still in America is […]

Social Justice, Race, and Gender Issues in American Society

Although known for its ancient history, large population, and incredible beauty; Africa also holds record numbers for its staggering amounts of child slavery and poverty stricken lands. Aside from AIDS, one of Africa’s major social problems is in fact, child labor and slavery. At the heart of Africa’s economic boom, the need for youth to actively become laborers on farms, in fields, workshops and factories is prevalent. Africa, being successful in producing rich, delicious cocoa, seeks young boys whose ages […]

Social Justice in Public Schools

Principals leading for social justice in 21st Century public schools will require a change in their preparation programs from that of a traditional role to one that is ready to lead diverse schools. It is projected that by 2025, 55% of all students enrolled in United States public schools will be a member of today's minority racial/ethnic group (National Center for Education Statistics, 2017). The enrollment in Texas public schools today is represented with 52% Hispanic, 13% Black, 29% White, […]

Social Justice in Healthcare: Bridging Disparities and Fostering Equity

Relevance and Meaning Social justice in healthcare refer to the equitable distribution of medical resources that ensures everyone has fair access to medical care regardless of financial background, color, or ethnicity. It stands for the notion that everyone is naturally entitled to the highest physical and mental health levels. The importance of this justice stretches beyond the immediate health implications. When healthcare is distributed equitably, it provides the following points: Societies flourish when every member can contribute productively. Economic burdens […]

What does Social Justice Mean to You: Personal Reflections

Feminism and social justice have been a sidestream topic for as long as I’ve known about it. I have always heard different things from different people and was never sure which was the right assumption. I originally came to this course with the premise that feminism was working to actively change the traditional roles placed on women and replace patriarchy with equality for all. But because of this, I also saw feminism as a violent act towards men. This assumption […]

The Role of Education and Critical Literacy

The role of education in a democracy is that an education can provide someone with the knowledge of past occurrences of oppression that can be used to fight current social injustices, while the role of critical literacy is that it can help one recognize social issues that continue to affect society. If someone lacks an education or critical literacy skills, than he or she may be unaware that injustices are occurring, or will lack knowledge on how these injustices can […]

Female Comics and Social Justice

"In a similar vein, ideas expressed by women who identify as feminists are often dismissed under the idea that they are angry and unable to take a joke. Thus, the stand-up stage is a space where homophobic, sexist, and all together insensitive jokes not only occur, but thrive. The comedy business is hard and unforgiving to queer audiences, fueling anxiety and self-hatred, as has been pointed out by queer comedians such as Hannah Gatsby. In her standup special Nanette, Gatsby […]

Marxism is the Arrangement of Communism

Karl Max is a German philosopher and socialist. He work has everlastingly affected the field of human science in that his perspectives opened the way to the investigation of how one's social class impacts one's beneficial encounters and life shots. His work additionally opened the entryway for some contrasting points of view on the issue of the well off and the poor in the public eye. Karl is the man behind the theory Marxism. Marxism is the focus on social […]

Catholic School and the Common Good

Statement of the Problem Social justice is not voluntary; it is essential so that students learn to understand that particular rights are inalienable and exist within oneself and within others (Denig, 2014). Catholic education shapes boys and girls to be good citizens, loving God and neighbor and impacting society with Gospel values (Miller, 2006). Unfortunately, this mission of Catholic school has become an endangered species in the 21st century. Declining enrollments, increasing financial pressures, and church scandals are threatening the […]

Importance of the Elderly Community

The Community Meeting Paper: Core Principles and the Council on Aging Meeting Due to COVID -19 the Tewksbury council on aging meeting was hold on virtually to present via video conference and via telephone. The council on aging community in Tewksbury is to provide and identify the senior needs. The national council on aging is a nonprofit organization that to help senior and elderly people get benefit to improve they retired life and get them to involve the local senior […]

Understanding Equal Educational Opportunity

In “Understanding Equal Educational Opportunity; Social Justice, Democracy, and Schooling”, Howe (1997) Dug deeply into the complex idea of equality of educational opportunity. He revealed many restraints and problems that need to be understood if that basic democratic principle is to serve us in our quest to provide an education that keeps the future open for our kids. He argued for the necessity of distributing justice and democracy. Where, justice gives everyone an active voice in looking for their needs. […]

Understanding of Responsibility for Social and Economic Justice

Barbara Ehrenreich, a prolific writer, found herself having wandered into the topic of poverty during lunch with an editor. The topic was especially current. In 1996, Congress passed, and President Bill Clinton signed into law, the "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act," welfare-reform legislation that radically restructured welfare programs, reduced federal spending on welfare, and required many to work in order to receive limited social benefits (Kirst-Ashman, 205). Ehrenreich, challenged by of her own idea that "someone ought to […]

Should Capital Punishment be Reintroduced in the UK: a Deep Dive into the Moral Labyrinth and Societal Repercussions

Imagine this: the eerie chamber of death, where whispers mingle with the resonant thud of a gavel against the wood. Capital punishment, the solemn act of ending human life as retribution for heinous crimes, is a complex puzzle that has sparked debate over centuries. The United Kingdom, once entangled in this extreme penal practice, abolished capital punishment in 1965. However, the vexing question of its potential revival lingers in society's corridors. The essay embarks on a journey through the intricate […]

What does the Constitution Mean to Me? a Deep Dive into its Complex Tapestry

The Constitution - those words etched upon the pages of history, a beacon of governance transcending time and guiding nations. In my contemplation, I invite you to delve into the intricate corridors of this foundational document. Throughout this journey, we'll ponder its nuances and decipher the threads of thought it weaves across the tapestry of our society. As I traverse its provisions, I invite you to join me in solving the echoes of the Constitution's wisdom, as its words, like […]

The Impact and Legacy of Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle”

Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" hit the shelves in 1906 and shook the American public to its core. This groundbreaking novel, which peeled back the layers of the meatpacking industry in Chicago, wasn't just a piece of literature; it was a wake-up call that ignited outrage and led to sweeping reforms in food safety and labor laws. To appreciate its significance, we need to look at the context of its publication and the profound impact it had on society. The early […]

Exploring the Minimum Wage Landscape of 1955

The year 1955 holds a pivotal place in the history of labor economics in the United States, particularly concerning the establishment and impact of the minimum wage. As a cornerstone of socio-economic policy, the minimum wage of 1955 reflects broader societal attitudes towards fair compensation and economic justice. During this period, the federal minimum wage was set at 75 cents per hour, a figure established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. This landmark legislation, part of President […]

César Chávez: a Legacy of Social Justice and Labor Rights

César Chávez stands as one of the most prominent figures in the history of American labor rights and social justice. Born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona, Chávez's journey from a humble upbringing to a national icon for farmworkers' rights is a testament to his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of justice. His achievements, which span several decades, have left an indelible mark on the labor movement and continue to inspire activists worldwide. Chávez's early life was marked by […]

A Detailed Retrospective on the Trail of Tears: its Historical Significance and Lasting Effects

One of the worst episodes in American history, the Trail of Tears is a vivid representation of the extreme suffering and structural injustices that Native American tribes faced during the 1800s. This event was more than just a large-scale relocation; it was a pivotal experience that significantly changed the cultural and demographic environments of the US and left lasting emotional and historical damage. President Andrew Jackson's fight for the Indian Removal Act's approval in 1830 marked the start of the […]

Green Values: a Vision for Environmental Leadership and Social Equity

In the complex tapestry of modern politics, few ideologies resonate as profoundly as the principles upheld by the Green Party. At its core, the Green Party stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and social equity, advocating for policies that prioritize sustainability and justice in equal measure. Founded on pillars of ecological wisdom, non-violence, social justice, and grassroots democracy, the Green Party offers a distinct perspective on governance that seeks to harmonize human activity with the natural world. Ecological wisdom […]

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How to Write an Essay About Social Justice

Understanding social justice.

Before you start writing an essay about social justice, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what social justice entails. Social justice refers to the fair and just relation between the individual and society, measured by the distribution of wealth, opportunities for personal activity, and social privileges. It involves a focus on the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. Begin your essay by defining social justice and its importance in modern society. Discuss the various dimensions of social justice, which may include issues like racial equality, gender equity, economic fairness, LGBTQ rights, and more.

Developing a Thesis Statement

Your essay on social justice should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about social justice. For instance, you might explore the effectiveness of current social justice movements, analyze historical social justice issues and their resolution, or argue the need for a specific approach to achieve social justice in a particular context. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

To support your thesis, gather evidence from a range of sources, including academic research, case studies, historical examples, or current events. This might include data on social inequality, examples of successful social justice initiatives, or testimonies from individuals or groups affected by social injustice. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. It's important to consider different perspectives and address potential counterarguments to your thesis.

Analyzing Social Justice Issues

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing specific social justice issues. Discuss the causes and impacts of these issues, the challenges in addressing them, and the strategies employed to overcome these challenges. Consider both the successes and the ongoing struggles in the realm of social justice. This analysis will help illustrate the complexities involved in achieving social justice and the various factors that influence it.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the importance of striving for social justice. You might also want to reflect on the broader implications of your findings or suggest future directions for social justice activism or policy.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, take time to review and refine it. Ensure that your arguments are clearly articulated and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, educators, or experts in social justice to further improve your essay. A well-written essay on social justice will not only demonstrate your understanding of the topic but also your ability to engage critically with complex ethical and societal issues.

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16 Social Justice Examples

Pernilla Stammler Jaliff (MSSc)

Pernilla Stammler Jaliff has a master’s degree in Political Science and in Investigative Journalism. She has published several academic articles, and reports on human rights and sustainability for different NGOs. She also works independently as an investigative journalist writing articles on environmental issues such as the lithium and oil industry.

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Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

Social Justice is a type of justice and political philosophy that refers to a fair and equal division of resources, opportunities, access to wealth and social privileges in a society.  

The concept first surfaced in the Western world in the aftermath of the industrial revolution. It emerged as a protest to what was seen as the capitalist exploitation of labor, and as an important moment in time to improve the human condition (United Nations, 2006).

Definition of Social Justice

Social Justice is a concept of fairness in relations between human beings in a society and their fair and equal rights.

It was first developed during the industrial revolution, but the idea of social justice received more attention due to John Rawls’ publication A Theory of Social Justice in 1971.

John Rawls was an American political philosopher; his ideas included the guiding principle that people have “an equal right to the most extensive system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all”. (Rawls, 2005)

The ideas of John Rawls have continued to be an important factor in world economics and politics. According to the United Nations’ statement on World Day of Social Justice:

“Social justice is based on the values of fairness, equality, respect for diversity, access to social protection, and the application of human rights in all spheres of life, including in the workplace.” (Ban Ki-moon, 2010)

Social Justice involves several aspects to create a fair and equal society such as access to economic resources, equity, participation, diversity, climate justice, and human rights.

The concept of social justice must therefore integrate various dimensions, starting with the right of all human beings to benefit from a safe and pleasant environment (United Nations, 2006).

“This entails the fair distribution among countries and social groups of the cost of protecting the environment and of developing safe technologies for production and safe products for consumption” (p. 7)

Social Justice Examples

Social justice includes:

• Human Rights – Everyone is entitled to their natural rights and freedoms , without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. (UDHR, 1948)
• Right to participation – Create opportunities and political platforms for individuals to participate in decision-making procedures that affect their well-being.
• Intergenerational justice – This refers to the obligations of older generations to younger generations. Today, this has a lot to do with cleaning up the environmental damage done by generations past (see: environmental injustice examples ).
• Indigenous justice – Oppressed indigenous populations seek social justice in the form of fair access to social services and fair treatment.
• Economic participation – This refers to the right for people to participate in the economy, start a business, sell their goods, or get a job.
• Access to resources – Fair division of economic benefits and services, sometimes referred to as “ distributive justice .” (Center for Economic and Social Justice, 2019)
• Gender equality – Refers to equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for women and men and girls and boys.
• Child welfare – Ensure physical, social, and psychological well-being of children.
• Access to education – Close the education gap between male, female, poor and rich students. For example, in some areas of the world girls never set foot into a classroom. More than nine million girls never go to school, compared to only six million boys in areas of Africa. (UNESCO, 2019)
• Food security – End hunger and ensure sustainable agriculture for all.
• Access to healthcare – Ensure healthy lives, access to hospitals and clinics, and promoting well-being at all ages.
• Right to be different (aka Diversity) – Implement policies, embrace cultural differences, and put an end to discriminatory practices based on social identities like race, gender, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, age etc.
• Climate justice – Recognize the climate crisis as a social and political problem. It is about intersectional equity, ensuring everyone’s access to clean air, food, and water.
• Right to a family – It is socially just to allow all people the right to reproduction as well as the right to not have a family.
• Right to fair trial – A just society gives all people – guilty or not – to a fair and unimpeded trial in the court of law.
• Environmental justice – This refers to the importance of ensuring poor, disenfranchised, and minority communities do not face the economic consequences of wealthy people and corporations’ pollution byproducts. For example, rising seawater from climate change is likely going to impact poor low-lying Pacific nations most, despite their very minimal contribution to the issue.

What Does Social Justice Look Like?

1. human rights.

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ensures that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and in rights. They are provided with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. (Article 1, UDHR, 1948)

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security.

Today, the UN consists of 193 Member States. The Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, universal respect for and fulfil the international human rights and fundamental freedoms.

According to the UDHR everyone is entitled to their rights and freedoms, without distinction due to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. (UDHR, 1948)

Human Rights thus includes the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression and the right to work and education. Moreover, The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has defined a living wage as a basic human right under their conventions and recommendations to the UDHR.

A living wage means that the wage a worker earns in a standard working week is enough to provide for them and their family’s basic needs – including housing, food, education, and healthcare as well as some savings for when the unexpected happens. (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2014)

2. Right to Participation

Participation refers to how the people is given a voice and opportunity to express their opinions and concerns. Individuals needs to be able to participate in any decision-making that affects their livelihood and standard of living. (Corporate Finance Institute, 2022)

Social injustice occurs when a small group of individuals makes decisions for a larger group, without considering the people’s voice and opinion. (Corporate Finance Institute, 2022)

To achieve social justice the society needs to ensure equal opportunities, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disabilities etc. Moreover, guarantee access to political platforms and institutions for individuals to participate in decision-makings that affect their well-being.

3. Access to Resources

Access to resources is a key principle of social justice and refers to how different groups in society receive equal access to services such as healthcare, food, work, electricity, education and so forth.

To achieve social justice societies must offer a multitude of resources and services for their citizens, so that everyone gets an equal start in life. (Corporate Finance Institute, 2022)

However, unequal access to resources often exists, and the gap between high-income countries and low-income countries is still big.

According to the UN more than 700 million people, or 10 per cent of the world population, live in extreme poverty, struggling to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation. Moreover, the economic gap between rural and urban areas is significant. Worldwide, the poverty rate is three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas. (United Nations, 2019)

4. Gender Equality

Gender equality refers to equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys.

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, wealthy, and sustainable world. 

According to the United Nations there has been progress over the last decades regarding gender equality:

“Fewer girls are forced into early marriage; more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership; and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality”. (United Nations, 2019, p. 32)

However, many challenges still exist. Discriminatory laws and norms are still applied, and women continue to be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership.

According to the organization UN Women , 30 percent of women worldwide who have ever been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. (p. 176)

Moreover, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply troubling human-rights violation that affects at least 200 million women in the 30 countries where this is practiced (half of them in West Africa). (United Nations, 2019)

5. Food security

End hunger and ensure food security is a key factor for social justice. According to the World Food Programme, 135 million people suffer from acute hunger mainly due to man-made conflicts, climate change and economic downturns. (FSIN, 2020)

Despite earlier extensive progress, the number of people suffering from hunger has been increasing since 2014. Around 821 million people were undernourished in 2017, the same number as in 2010. (United Nations, 2019)

To create social justice worldwide attention needs to be given to increase sustainable agricultural productivity and guarantee incomes for small-scale food producers, implementing resilient agricultural practices.

Social Justice is a political theory that refers to a fair and equal division of resources, opportunities, human rights, and social privileges in a society.

Based on the ideas of the American political philosopher John Rawls, the international community has implemented social justice in its institutions, declarations, statements, and practices. The idea of people having equal rights and liberties is key to create social justice.

Human rights, right to participation, access to resources, gender equality and food security are all examples of important principles to achieve social justice.

An important step to create social justice worldwide is the actions of the United Nations and its Member States. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, governments and civil society all play a key role in monitoring and implementing practices for social justice.

Reference list

United Nations, (2006). Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Social Justice in an Open World: The Role of the United Nations, ST/ESA/305, United Nations Publication, New York.

Rawls, J. (2005). A theory of justice . Chicago: Belknap Press.

Ban Ki-moon (2010), UN statement on the World Day of Social Justice.

UNESCO (2019), Institute of Statistics, Education in Africa.

UDHR (1948), United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. New York: United Nations.

United Nations (2019), The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2019, United Nations Publication, New York

UN Women (2019), Progress of the World’s Women 2019-2020 , ISBN: 978-1-63214-156-9, United States.

FSIN (2020), 2020 Global Report on Food Crises: Joint Analysis for Better Decisions.

• Pernilla Stammler Jaliff (MSSc) #molongui-disabled-link Social Institutions in Sociology (Definition and Explanation)
• Pernilla Stammler Jaliff (MSSc) #molongui-disabled-link 38 Cultural Values Examples
• Pernilla Stammler Jaliff (MSSc) #molongui-disabled-link 75 Social Factors Examples (with Definition)
• Pernilla Stammler Jaliff (MSSc) #molongui-disabled-link 15 Examples of Gender Norms (And Definition)

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Social Justice Essay | Essay on Social Justice for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Social Justice Essay: A discussion of social justice should start with a definition of the term. It is said that this task can be difficult. If you do a Google search about social justice, the primary outcome offers a meaning of social justice.

It would define social justice as the reasonable and appropriate organization of laws adjusting to the customary law that all people, independent of ethnic birthplace, gender assets, race, religion, and so forth, are to be dealt with similarly and without bias. Social justice is an idea of a general public where each individual is dealt with fairly, without segregation dependent on budgetary status, race, gender, nationality, and so forth.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Social Justice for Students and Kids in English

We provide students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on Social Justice for reference.

Long Essay on Social Justice 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Social Justice is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Social justice is an idea of reasonable or adjusted relations between the individual and society as estimated by the conveyance of abundance that incorporates individual action and social advantage openings. In Western as well as in more established Asian societies, the idea of social justice has regularly alluded to the way toward guaranteeing that people satisfy their cultural jobs and get what was their due from society.

Social justice isn’t an “us versus them” mindset; rather, it is a “we are in it together” attitude where the amazing and weak work together.

A Jesuit priest named Luigi Taparelli coined the term first in the 1780s and spread during the revolutions of 1848. In the late industrial revolution, innovative American legal scholars started to use the term more, especially Louis Brandeis and Roscoe Pound. The various ideas of social justice, as examined in the old Western way of thinking, were normally focused upon the community. Plato believed that rights existed only between free people. During the middle Ages, some religious scholars discussion of justice in various ways,

After the Renaissance and Reformation, the advanced idea of social justice, as creating human potential, started to arise through crafted by a progression of creators.

Today, the idea of social justice frequently alludes to basic liberties, revolved around improving the lives of gatherings minimized dependent on race, identity, ethnicity, gender, sexual direction, age, religion and handicap. The five principles of social justice are Equity, Access, Diversity, Participation, Human Rights. Social justice is based on the concepts of human rights and equality.

For example, income inequality is one significant issue that is encompassed within the umbrella of social justice. The data shows that income inequality has been increasing for the past thirty years. Social justice can comprehend many issues, but ultimately, it is a crucial component of healing many of the deep divisions that the world is experiencing. While some people may criticize the idea of social justice or the need for swift action to solve some serious economic and racial issues, a proactive approach on social justice, like voting or protesting will lead to a better, brighter country.

While several global groups are looking to provide equal rights to all, racial discrimination is nonetheless a hot topic. There are laws in the area around the world, but many incidents occur to illustrate that racial discrimination has not been irradiated. Discrimination comes in all shapes. The number of birthdays that you have accrued is another example.

Ageism, where the aged are discriminated against, creates negative stereotypes of the aged being weak, feeble, or unable to change. Beyond discrimination based on age, other hot topics are gender and sexuality. In recent years, gender has morphed into a complicated topic that goes beyond the binary designations of male and female.

Social justice allocates the rights and duties in the institutions of our society, which enables people to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation. It helps us work toward celebrating diversity in our communities and country.

Short Essay on Social Justice 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Social Justice is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Social justice is a hypothesis of nondiscriminatory and unbiased relations between an individual and society. Observable but unspoken terms determine it for the distribution of wealth, opportunities for personal activity and social privileges.

Luigi Taparelli coined the term first in the 1780s and spread during the revolutions of 1848. Socrates is credited with developing the idea of a social contract. After the Renaissance and Reformation, the advanced idea of social justice, as creating human potential, started to arise through crafted by a progression of creators.

With the modern era, the face of social justice has changed. While rallies and marches are still prevalent, the Internet is also used to bring social justice issues to light. This can be seen through movements like #blacklivesmatter and the #metoo movement against sexual harassment. These campaigns work to expand issues into bigger movements that rally activists together. Other than that voting, campaigning is the basic approaches of social justice.

10 Lines on Social Justice in English

• Luigi Taparelli coined the term first in 1780s.
• The term social justice is spread during the revolutions of 1848.
• The #metoo movement had an impact all over the world.
• Social justice can organize with others to accomplish ends that benefit the whole community.
• Income inequality is one of the biggest social problems now.
• Social justice helps us work toward celebrating diversity in our communities and country.
• One of the most useful thing in social justice is the vote.
• Twenty-three nations around the world currently allow same-sex marriage through social justice.
• Nepal is one of at least five countries where your gender can now appear as “other” on official statements.
• 20th February is the world day of social justice.

FAQ’s on Social Justice Essay

Question 1. What is an example of social justice?

Answer:  The #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements are two examples of social justice in action in the United States,

Question 2. What are now important five social problems?

Answer: Poverty, Drug abuse, Prostitution, Racial discrimination are examples of social problems.

Question 3.  Is social justice good?

Answer: Social justice can organize with others to accomplish ends that benefit the whole community.

Question 4. To what extent does power or the lack of power affect individuals?

Answer: power or the lack of power can affect individuals in a bad way and a good way. For example, power can make you corrupted, and lack of power can make you ambitious.

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Social Values: Freedom and Justice Essay

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Freedom occurs when people are given an opportunity to do what they want without any interference or influence. Generally, a society enhances freedom by providing opportunities that people desire for action and enjoyment. On the other hand, justice entails a commitment to respect equality claim of each individual that leads to happiness. It is evident that freedom and justice are mutually exclusive, as “the theory of justice signifies its implications in regards to freedom as a key ingredient to happiness” (Rawls, 2009). Mills theory appeals to considerations of justice to mark off the rightful domain of individual liberty regarding individual freedom. In light of this view, the goal of extending freedom to all members of the society is integrally linked to achieving social justice (Baum, 2010). In this paper, the discussion will be on how freedom and justice are mutually exclusive when it comes to social values.

In the past, colonialists used freedom as a tool of enslaving African Americans who later gained their freedom through social justice. The use of freedom as a tool to inhibit empowerment in individuals has been found to impact justice. For many years, racial discrimination was defined as a way of living, especially in schools, restaurants and social places, which were reserved for the whites; white-collar jobs were also mainly reserved for the whites (Loewy, 2009).

Many African Americans looked for manual labor where they were gardeners and maids in households all over America. Interracial marriages were highly unpopular and many who engaged in them were discriminated. However, freedom came when justice was served as Martin Luther King fought for equality on both sides, marking the end of racial discrimination, although racial discrimination is still experienced in some places today.

Justice presupposes that individuals are responsible, in some sense, for their actions. It tends to reward and punish in regards to good or bad behavior, contributions and harm brought in the society. In relation to this, when a person commits a crime that affects the society, the freedom he or she holds may be removed from him or her through a jail term. This relates to lack of social values on a personal level and using their freedom negatively; in this case, justice is used to bring order in a society. Moreover, if freedom is not limited, it can lead to social crimes, thus calling for justice to work towards instilling order (Johnson & Svara, 2011).

According to Kant’s theory of justice, positive freedom is the ability of pure reason to be practical. Kant believes that if human beings did not have negative freedom, there could be no duty to obey moral law, which requires us to subordinate our sensible impulse to the demand of duty (Rosen, 2009). An example is the constitution, which enacts different civil and political rights of a country; if broken, these laws may lead to a distortion in moral duty. The need for a constitution provides law and order, and with it comes the freedom to choose whether to follow it or not. Citizens who break the constitution are judged through the same constitution; but in order for justice to prevail, freedom must be limited within the law (Neville, 2009).

The law provides for freedom of religion and it respects all individuals regardless of their own faith. Nevertheless, the same law allows pure intentions to avoid breaking the law through one’s religion. In recent times, there have been terror threats around the world where Muslim extremists have threatened peaceful coexistence (Andrain & Smith, 2007). According to Andrain and Smith, religious freedom is not free from justice; in this case, if a person performs an atrocity against the country in regards to belief and religious freedom, the same freedom can lead to execution through the justice system.

At times, freedom and justice tend to pull from different directions; for instance, those who are working and would like to accumulate wealth would rather have freedom instead of justice. They feel they need to control everything they own rather than allowing others to enjoy their sweat through justice. However, those who are disadvantaged in one way or another would rather have justice instead of freedom, as they feel that those who are advantaged may exploit them if granted freedom. This kind of extremity or exclusivity in terms of freedom and justice tends to create social breakdown, where everyone tries to push for own selfish interests. The ideal situation would therefore be to create a compromise or balance between freedom and justice such that everyone sacrifices some freedom in order to serve justice for the well-being of the whole society.

Equality before the law promotes freedom, but leads to material inequality. When the state, through its laws, intervenes to create material equality, it consequently leads to a corresponding loss of freedom. Equality in constitutional sense means that, people who are similarly situated must be treated equally unless there are justifiable reasons to the contrary (Rabe, 2009). An example of inequality is racial discrimination of African Americans who fought for equality in order to be free.

During this time, they were treated in whichever way the whites pleased, as no law protected them. The law of equality has been regarded as a just way of ensuring citizens are treated in specific ways that promote freedom and not slavery. In this concept, freedom and justice are mutually exclusive as they work together to bring order through social values (Sanderson & Pugliese, 2012).

The balance of freedom and justice in the society provides a more enhanced look at how these values affect our lives. Existence of freedom relates more to having a just society where equal measure is achieved and a place where law and order is achieved to enhance peace. The two variables exist together to provide a worthwhile environment in relation to people’s rights and freedoms. In discussing these two variables, it is important to know how extensively freedom and justice work to improve relationship of different situations in different ways. Freedom and justice can therefore be termed as mutually exclusive in regards to situational factors that permit both sides to work together.

In conclusion, freedom and justice are mutually exclusive as they work together to bring order in the society. Freedom relates closely with justice and becomes a social norm that destroys the society if not used well. We need to respect the freedom of others by justly judging them with no favor or bias. Consequently, the position of freedom in key areas such as race, equality, and religion in relation to good judgment is to enhance social freedom. In order for society to achieve total freedom, justice must prevail as a means of providing social order (Arriaga, 2006).

Andrain, C., & Smith, J. (2007). Political Democracy, Trust, and Social Justice: A Comparative Overview. NK, USA: UPNE. Web.

Arriaga, M. P. (2006). The Modernist-postmodernist Quarrel on Philosophy and Justice: A Possible Levinasian Mediation. Oxford, England: Lexington Books. Web.

Baum, B. D. (2010). Rereading Power and Freedom in J.S. Mill . Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press. Web.

Johnson, N., & Svara, J. (2011). Justice for All: Promoting Social Equity in Public Administration- Transformational trends in governance and democracy . NY, USA: M.E. Sharpe. Web.

Loewy, E. H. (2009). Freedom and Community: The Ethics of Interdependence . NY, USA: SUNY Press. Web.

Neville, R. C. (2009). The Cosmology of Freedom . NY, USA: SUNY Press. Web.

Rabe, J. (2009). Equality, Affirmative Action and Justice. Norderstedt, Germany: BoD-Books on demand. Web.

Rawls, J. (2009). Theory of Justice. NY, USA: Havard University Press. Web.

Rosen, A. D. (2009). Kant’s Theory of Justice: Cornell papaerbacks. NY, USA: Cornells University press. Web.

Sanderson, R., & Pugliese, M. (2012). Beyond Naïveté: Ethics, Economics, and Values. Maryland, USA: University of America Press. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2020, May 20). Social Values: Freedom and Justice. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-values-freedom-and-justice/

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1. IvyPanda . "Social Values: Freedom and Justice." May 20, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-values-freedom-and-justice/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Social Values: Freedom and Justice." May 20, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-values-freedom-and-justice/.

Anthropology@Princeton

Theses and dissertation titles on social justice and social inequality.

Samples of student theses titles:

Racializing Midwifery: An Ethnography of Blackness, Gender, and Birth Care in Atlanta, Georgia Ayodele Foster-McCray     AN ARMFUL OF GROCERIES. An ethnography on H Mart, traditional medicine, and the power of food in Korean communities Jennifer ‘Jaein’ Jung   Community Comes First: Recognizing the Past and Reimagining the Future After Hurricane María in Barrio Mariana Gabriela Elizabeth Bergan Rivera

“In the end, we’re neither here nor there. And yet we’re almost there”: Disidentification Among Ethiopian Jewish Israelis Talia Dina Anisfeld

“So Near Yet So Far” Isolationism and the Cultural Future of a Globalising World David G. Bewicke-Copley

HIGHER EDUCATION AND SOCIETY: THE ROLE OF ACCESS, PRIVILEGE, AND MERITOCRACY AT ELITE INSTITUTIONS Jessica Lauren Nelson

Asian, Butch, and Queer: An Internet Landscaping Diana Li     Privileging Personhood Over Politics: Experiences of African Diaspora Communities in China Alison Chang

The Neglected: Black Workers in Modern-Day Brazil Maximo J. De La Cruz

The School-to-Soup-Kitchen LifeLine: Reimagining the Problem of Hunger in the Age of Colorblindness Naimah I. Hakim   Implicit Bias Training and Servicio Social. A Comparative Analysis of Medical School Curricula in the United States and Mexico    Katya A. Vera

SPEAKING FROM THE HOLLERS: An Ethnographic Study of Place and Generational Cultural Change Lauren Elcan

Ballet’s Approach to Relevance Through Racial Diversity Marisa Seline Remez

Black Women, White Women: Racial Consciousness, Racial Identity and Community Lori Clark

Click here to view and search for more senior theses.

Samples of student dissertation titles:

The Carceral Outside: How Privatized Land Produces Racialized Labor in an American Prison Town Heath Pearson

Floods and Fountains:  Water Politics and Black Ecologies in Newark, NJ Kessie Alexandre

Carcerality in Transition: The Productive Relations of Reentry Governance in New Orleans Shreya Subramani

Hip hop is Islam : race, self-making and young muslims in Chicago Su’ad Khabeer

A body on drugs : methamphetamine and the making of a new criminal type in the rural United States William Garriott

Biomedical ambiguity : race, asthma, and the contested meaning of genetic research in the Caribbean Ian Whitmarsh

Click here to view and search for more dissertation titles.

Social Justice

1 promoting social justice through fair trade and worker’s rights.

Fostering Equity Through Fair Trade Principles Trade is the best way to seek equality for all workers in sweatshops and to respect the worker’s rights by giving them fair working environments. To me, this means that business owners should treat all their workers fairly and justly. They can show all workers fairness by giving them […]

2 Navigating Free Speech and Social Justice on College Campuses

Violence Erupts over Controversial Speakers There was a battle over college free speech at Auburn University. Free discourse came to fisticuffs before extreme right white patriot Richard Spencer could even start his discourse at Auburn University. Understudies enclosing the fight said a Spencer supporter started jawing with an Antifa, or hostile to fundamentalist, dissenter over […]

3 Social Justice through Workplace Fairness: Impact on Well-being & Success

Workplace Fairness: Catalyst for Motivation and Well-being This article discusses how justice at work is vital to employee motivation, health, and well-being. Justice in the workplace is more known as “workplace fairness,” and it has three critical drivers, which are distributive, procedural, and interactional justice. In distributive justice, personnel want to sense that distribution is […]

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4 Environmental Interventions for Social Justice: Imperial County’s Pollution Crisis

Unveiling Environmental Health Priorities: Imperial County’s Toxic Pollution Challenge Aguilera, author of the article “Living in one of the Most Polluted Places in California,” wrote that Imperial County is among the most polluted places in America. The air quality in the County is below federal air quality standards. The air quality is so toxic that […]

5 Artistic Paths to Social Justice Environmental Advocacy & Farm Workers’ Struggles

Introduction In most cases, matters of social justice entail advocacy of laws that enforce similar treatment to all people. Outspoken people have expressed their views on social justice by using literature as a tool to bring to attention issues related to the environment and politics. Regarding the weight of such issues in society, Mark Hamilton […]

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How black lives matter has influenced and interacted with global social movements.

Arelle A. Binning , The Graduate Center, City University of New York Follow

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Liberal Studies

Karen Miller

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African Studies | Asian Studies | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Eastern European Studies | International Relations | Peace and Conflict Studies | Politics and Social Change | Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies | Race and Ethnicity | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social and Cultural Anthropology | Social Policy | Sociology

Race Relations, International, Black Lives Matter, BLM, Social Movement, Global

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a chapter-based and member-led organization created out of grief by three queer black women. This thesis examines the international impact of BLM. I conducted telephone interviews with activists and advocacy organizations who have organized activist networks and/or won struggles against institutional racism outside of the United States. These activists are located in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, India, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Paris. I conclude that BLM has inspired the creation and supported the continued development of organizations advocating for national and transnational social and racial justice on a global scale. BLM in spite of its imperfections, is the "social justice yellow brick road" helping to build a path toward, what political activist Angela Davis conceptualizes as, "intersectionality of movements," or the joining of different struggles to strengthen each fight against oppression.

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Binning, Arelle A., "How Black Lives Matter Has Influenced and Interacted with Global Social Movements" (2019). CUNY Academic Works. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3116

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Why your doctor should care about social justice

• global issues
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• United States
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• Open access
• Published: 25 May 2020

Why social justice matters: a context for suicide prevention efforts

• Shirley Hochhauser 1 ,
• Satya Rao 1 ,
• Elizabeth England-Kennedy 2 &
• Sharmistha Roy 1  

International Journal for Equity in Health volume  19 , Article number:  76 ( 2020 ) Cite this article

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Suicide is among the 10 leading causes of death in the US and has the potential to suddenly change many lives. It often occurs when people are disproportionately affected by societal conditions, including inequities, discrimination, oppression, and historical trauma. We posit that a social justice framework can improve suicide prevention efforts when incorporated into existing strategies because it mandates that inequities be addressed. It does so through education, engagement, advocacy, and action, and can be especially effective in states and nations with high suicide rates and entrenched societal inequities.

In 2016, nearly 45,000 suicides occurred in the US [ 45 ]. For each of these, an estimated 30 others attempted suicide [ 47 ]. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US and is one of only three causes that continues to rise [ 45 ]. Beyond the number of direct casualties, suicide has a tremendous negative impact on communities and the national economy [ 47 ]. These include emotional suffering of families and friends, and economic costs associated with medical care, funeral expenses, and lost productivity [ 47 ]. Because of the myriad consequences, suicide is a national concern that must be addressed with urgency and understanding. This is especially true for New Mexico, whose suicide rate has consistently been 50% higher than the US national average and was fourth highest in the country in 2015 [ 32 ].

Here, we explore a suicide prevention framework based in social justice. The integration of a social justice context to supplement current suicide prevention efforts in the US can help efforts more fully address suicide-related factors as identified by the socioeecological model (SEM) currently used by the US Surgeon General. A social justice perspective has the potential to improve suicide prevention efforts by reducing stigma, improving access to appropriate healthcare and other services, and creating a supportive, less judgmental, and more inclusive community.

The Socioecological model

Official suicide prevention efforts in the US began in the late 1950s and have since grown to include various national organizations and task forces, including the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Task Force, which led to the creation of the 2001 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, updated by the US Surgeon General in conjunction with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention [ 47 ]. Despite these endeavors, suicide rates have remained mostly unaffected for decades and are on the rise in some regions of the country and specific population groups [ 45 ]. For example, from 1999 to 2016, suicide rates in the US had increased by almost 30% in the western region and had increased among American Indians and Alaskan Natives [ 45 ].

Suicide is often tied to mental health conditions [ 47 ]. As a result, suicidology, the study of suicidal behavior and prevention, has been dominated by a clinical-psychiatric approach [ 4 ]. However, in 2015, 54 % of suicide victims in 27 states, including New Mexico, did not have a known mental health condition [ 45 ]. In fact, mental health status is only one of many factors associated with suicide [ 47 ]. Other factors are classified according to the socioecological model outlined in the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

The four levels of influence

Suicide is an outcome of a complex interaction of multiple components ranging from individual characteristics to environmental influences [ 47 ]. These can be found at the four levels established in the socioecological model used by the US Surgeon General: individual, relationship, community, and societal [ 47 ]. The individual level of influence includes genetic predispositions, personality traits, and personal experiences, attitudes, perceptions, and views [ 47 ]. The relationship level includes family history and interpersonal relationships [ 47 ]. The community level takes into consideration interactions with neighborhoods, educational institutions, workplaces, and other community environments, including the healthcare system [ 47 ]. The societal level considers media influences and the impact of governmental policies and decisions, including policies related to access to lethal means [ 47 ]. Within each of these are embedded factors that can either increase or reduce a person’s susceptibility to suicide, known as risk and protective factors [ 47 ].

Risk and protective factors

Risk factors are characteristics that increase an individual’s potential to develop suicidal ideation and engage in suicidal behaviors [ 30 ]. These can be short-term crises or long-term sources of stress [ 30 ]. They exist within all four levels of influence and can include substance abuse, family history of suicide, barriers to healthcare, and problematic media portrayals of suicide [ 47 ]. Protective factors are characteristics that make development of suicidal ideation and behaviors less likely [ 30 , 38 ]. They provide sources of support and promote strong connections between individuals and the world around them [ 30 ].

Protective factors also exist at every level and include healthy coping skills, supportive social interactions, safe community environments, and affordable healthcare [ 38 , 47 ]. According to the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, suicide is less likely to occur when risk factors are minimized and protective factors are maximized, Suicide prevention strategies need to incorporate multiple perspectives to address as many of these factors as possible [ 47 ].

Although suicide can affect all, certain groups have been impacted more than others. These include American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN), members of the military, including veterans, men in their midlife, and older white men, as well as LGBTQ individuals, people who have lost loved ones to suicide, are in justice and/or child welfare systems, engage in non-suicidal self-injury, attempted suicide in the past, have chronic medical conditions, are in grief or enduring severe pain, and/or have mental and/or substance abuse disorders [ 47 ]. Each of these groups has a wide range of specific risk factors; however, here we focus on factors that are impacted by unjust socioeconomic conditions, negative attitudes, and stigmas concerning suicide. Many are interrelated and can be experienced concurrently, which can make the ability to combat suicidality on an individual level more difficult and even impossible.

Risk factors experienced by AIAN individuals, as well as those in other ethnic and minority communities, include discrimination, limited culturally-appropriate mental health service access, and historical trauma [ 47 ]. Discrimination can include individual- and institutional-level discrimination. Institutional discrimination can come in the form of laws and public policies that create inequalities or omissions from benefits or protections [ 33 ]. This type of discrimination can lead to inadequate and inappropriate care of vulnerable populations [ 33 ]. For example, widely-used preventive interventions and currently-identified suicide-related risk (and protective) factors may not necessarily be applicable to people of color, because they were tested in White-majority communities [ 52 ]. Institutional discrimination can therefore be a reason why AIAN and other minorities have limited access to culturally-appropriate and compassionate mental and physical health services that could help them tackle issues like historical trauma, a known threat to physical and mental health [ 38 ]. Individuals with mental and/or substance abuse disorders, people in justice and/or child welfare settings, and LGBTQ persons can also suffer from a lack of appropriate mental health services due to institutional discrimination [ 33 , 47 ].

Members of sex and gender minorities are more likely to encounter healthcare providers who either do not have the proper training to address specialized health needs or have personal prejudices and biases that interfere with their ability to deliver timely and non-judgmental care [ 33 ]. LGBTQ individuals are also at risk for suicide due to minority stress, which stems from cultural and social prejudices they face daily because of their minority sexual orientation and gender identity status [ 47 ]. This also contributes to their susceptibility to suicide contagion, due to media coverage that presents suicidal behavior as a normative reaction to minority stress [ 47 ].

Social disconnection and reluctance to seek help are risk factors experienced by men in their midlife, who account for the majority of suicides in the US, and older white men, whose suicide rate is almost three times higher than the rate of the general population [ 47 ]. Although white men are not usually thought to suffer consequences of social injustice, studies have proposed that social pressures associated with maintaining one’s reputation and conforming to cultural ideals of masculinity play a part in increased risk of suicide for this demographic [ 10 ].

Unequal economic conditions can also exacerbate risk factors and limit development of protective factors, especially for people who experience many of the above-mentioned conditions concurrently. For example, poverty has both short- and long-term effects on health and sense of security because income is necessary for acquiring and maintaining resources like food, shelter, and healthcare [ 35 ]. People with serious and acute emotional and psychological distress are less likely to have health insurance because of an inability to afford and/or acquire insurance [ 8 ]. Even people with insurance often find they do not have adequate coverage for psychiatric treatment and/or therapeutic services, either because they cannot find professionals who accept their insurance, or because their insurance has high copayments and deductibles [ 8 ]. Finally, inability to provide for family or themselves can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and negativity, particularly for men [ 35 ].

A different perspective

A clinical-psychiatric framework works well in addressing factors within the individual level of influence. Therapeutic interventions based on this framework include psychotherapy and medication, which address risk factors like mental health disorders, substance abuse, and aggression, while also promoting protective factors like healthy coping skills and open communication [ 31 ]. However, limitations exist because counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists can only help at-risk individuals if these individuals are able to afford and consistently access adequate physical and mental health care [ 44 ]. Additionally, current mainstream studies and practices of suicide prevention tend to privatize pain and individualize suicide by focusing on risk factors like short-term crises, family history of suicide, mental health disorders, and substance abuse. This can propagate stigma and discrimination and therefore make it less likely for at-risk individuals to seek help, even if they can afford it [ 39 ]. Furthermore, because current approaches to suicide prevention are often based on psychiatric and individual dynamics, they do not adequately acknowledge or address other risk factors discussed previously [ 28 ]. Although therapeutic interventions can help individuals deal with how they feel about their unjust circumstances, a clinical-psychiatric approach alone cannot adequately address social injustice.

Nations, including the US, have an implicit obligation to improve environmental conditions that correlate with higher rates of suicide because one of the primary goals of a political state is to protect its citizens from violence and death [ 4 ]. A social justice framework brings this obligation to the forefront by making community members aware of the societal status quo, the harmful effects of social injustice on at-risk individuals, their own direct or indirect role in maintaining these dangerous inequities, and their ability to change so their fellow citizens can have equal opportunity to dignified lives [ 4 ]. By encouraging a critical analysis of the social, economic, relational, and cultural contexts within which suicide occurs, a social justice framework can minimize risk factors and increase protective factors at the community and societal levels of influence, thereby allowing suicide prevention efforts to be more comprehensive, effective, and long-lasting.

A social justice framework

A social justice framework, in general, is composed of three main concepts: (1) acknowledgment of inequality and oppression, (2) assumption of involvement, and (3) obligatory addressal of the issues through responsible action [ 43 ]. People seeking to implement a social justice framework must first acknowledge that there is an inequitable distribution of power, resources, and access within society [ 43 ]. Beyond acknowledging that social injustice exists, people must also recognize that everyone and everything within the system participates in maintaining the societal status quo, however unintentionally [ 43 ]. Finally, action should be taken to mitigate negative effects of social inequality and promote social, political, and economic parity [ 43 ]. Though a social justice framework can be applied to multiple social problems, it is particularly suited to and important for suicide prevention efforts because of its multifaceted nature. It is also based on the recognition that inequality and oppression contribute to the prevalence of suicide and on the understanding that we as individuals and communities have the power to advocate for and create sustainable change that addresses suicide in thoughtful and compassionate ways.

If we follow the general social justice framework presented by Smith et al. [ 43 ], the first aspect of a social justice-based framework for suicide prevention should be the acknowledgment of the insidious effect of social injustice on suicidal behavior [ 43 ]. Socioeconomic inequality cultivates social injustices, including poverty, homelessness, racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, refugee status, and historical trauma that inordinately affect minority and marginalized groups and communities and contribute to suicidality, especially in already-vulnerable people [ 11 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 18 , 22 , 29 , 51 , 53 ]. In some cultural settings, such as Maori culture, the power of current sociocultural forces disrupts traditional understandings and social modelings and increases the risk of suicidality [ 16 ].

Despite these socioeconomic risk factors, suicide is primarily viewed as a moral failure of individuals, e.g., as a sign of “weakness,” “cowardice,” “badness,” “mental illness,” or “admission of failure” [ 12 , 24 , 40 ], This perspective has become normalized in many societies, and reflects discomfort with and avoidance or rejection of the topic [ 24 , 40 ]. This view of suicide has been documented at all socioecological levels, including individuals who self-stigmatize [ 24 , 40 , 41 ]; families, peers, and other social groups [ 9 , 24 ]; community [ 1 ]; policy (e.g., insurance companies, policies, and personal attitudes affecting coroners’ official declarations of cause of death; Noble, 2010 [ 46 ];); and media messages, including mass and social media [ 21 , 25 , 26 ].

This perspective is structurally reinforced. For example, insurance companies may legally deny coverage for death resulting from suicide [ 34 ]. Commonly-offered suicide prevention and intervention trainings such as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) typically focus on individuals rather than systemic or contextual factors (e.g., Evans & Price, 2012 [ 17 ]; Shannonhouse, et al., 2017 [ 42 ];). In some cases, institutionalized discomfort and/or lack of familiarity with the topic of suicide has led to avoidance of the topic by school-based counselors in conversations with students, potentially due to assumptions made in professional education curricula [ 3 , 23 ].

Because suicide is still largely seen as an entirely personal matter, everyone - from healthcare providers to politicians to educators - must become more aware of how suicide can be a response to external conditions that are outside of an individual’s immediate control. We need public health strategies based on a social justice framework that allow for a deeper and non-judgmental understanding of the underlying reasons for suicide prevalence in specific communities and certain regions of the country.

A contemporary way of raising consciousness is through​ use of popular cultural media. As previously mentioned, media can serve as a major factor that can increase the risk of contagion through sensationalization, romanticization, and/or normalization of suicide, especially when reporting on suicide completion by celebrities [ 5 , 21 , 26 , 53 , 54 ]. However, it can also be a powerful tool that provides information on how and where to seek help, and highlights ways to cope with life stressors and what can be done collectively and intersectionally to improve suicide prevention efforts. This is especially true when suicide-reporting guidelines are closely followed, suicide literacy is promoted, and/or limitations on sales of suicide-related products are legally instituted to support prevention efforts [ 5 , 19 , 50 , 54 ]. If not, imitative suicide rates can be high enough to alter long-standing epidemiological patterns [ 2 , 6 ].

Although media can be helpful in dispensing basic information and context to the general public, more specific tools should also be utilized. For example, in order to more effectively raise consciousness and understanding of suicide, education tools should also be culturally appropriate when possible. This can include memoirs and  fotonovelas , booklets with posed photographs and easy-to-understand text bubbles that have been used to provide cost-effective health education to Hispanic populations and underserved populations with limited health literacy [ 20 , 37 ]. These have been used to improve knowledge about depression and have been proposed as a channel to help combat mental health stigma on college campuses [ 37 ]. Since fotonovelas can be adopted to any culture, and have already been used to address suicide risk factors like mental health disorders, they are an ideal channel to disseminate information and explain how social injustice may contribute to suicide prevalence [ 37 ]. By raising awareness and educating people about how social injustice can worsen suicidal ideation, attempts, and completions, at-risk individuals can be helped to realize that they are not alone and that they are not at fault.

The second concept is recognition of personal and collective involvement in the propagation of socially unjust conditions. This can be achieved by promoting community engagement, social activism, and advocacy because they will help people realize they have the capacity and power to combat and change social injustice and pervasive outcomes such as suicide. People who benefit from current societal attitudes, economic conditions, and public policies often fail to see how they are protected by society, just as they fail to realize how their neighbors and friends are harmed by it [ 35 ]. Therefore, it is important to actively mobilize bystanders and to connect people and communities so the unaffected can learn and help contribute to humanistic change [ 44 ].

The third and final concept of the social justice framework presented by Smith and colleagues is action. Action should be taken to mitigate negative effects of injustice and inequality; promote social, political, and economic equity and personal agency; and promote a sense of collective and communal responsibility [ 43 ]. We recommend a broadened scope of research to explore the implementation of a social justice framework, evaluate its effectiveness. and provide directions for suicide prevention program designers and policy-makers. College campuses are well-suited for this investigation because of the diversity of their student populations, which include students with disabilities, ethnic and/or sexual minority students, and those who are of undocumented immigrant status [ 37 ]. Finally political action must be taken to ensure implementation of policy and legislative changes that actively reduce resource gaps and highlight the humanity of those experiencing suicidality [ 36 ].

Currently, New Mexico has one of the highest suicide rates in the country [ 32 ]. The state is predominantly rural, culturally diverse, tribal, and economically disadvantaged, and shares a border with Mexico. Existing socioeconomic hardships, limited access to healthcare resources, discrimination, oppression, and disconnectedness all contribute to the high rate of suicide [ 49 ]. For these reasons, states such as New Mexico can be ideal for implementing a social justice framework.

A complex interaction of political, social, and economic disparities contribute to and maintain unjust conditions. In New Mexico, these disparities include lack of firearm education and regulations, and stigmas surrounding people who are poor, homeless, and unemployed [ 35 ]. The combination of these disparities, conditions, and circumstances may be a critical reason why New Mexico has experienced increased suicide rates, which makes the implementation of a social justice framework essential. This framework has potential to intentionally raise awareness and educate people and communities to become aware of underlying and upstream contributors to suicide, to engage in activism and advocacy, to become empowered change agents, and to push for micro/individual-level changes and/or policy and legislative changes that are rooted in human dignity and compassion for those who are feeling the burden of suicide.

The efforts of an Athabaskan tribe in New Mexico are an example of how a social justice framework that integrates greater understanding of socioeconomic conditions can be effective. Community engagement that addresses socioeconomic problems within the tribe enhances collaborations between the tribal council, tribal leaders, citizens, and institutions such as Indian Health Service (IHS), which in turn increases collective and individual awareness of suicidal behaviors and efficacy. The program was initiated through collaboration by the tribal council, community, and IHS in 1990 following an increase in suicides by tribal adolescents and young adults [ 28 ]. The tribe at the center of the study was located in a rural, isolated, impoverished area. Eighty percent of the tribe who were aged sixteen and older were either wholly unemployed or had limited seasonal employment; most were unemployed. The program’s goal was to reduce the incidence of adolescent and young adult suicidal behavior through community education and awareness about suicides and related behavioral issues [ 28 ].

The program included multiple community-based interactive workshop sessions that examined questions about problems and issues facing the community, barriers to resolving these issues, and possible solutions. Problems included alcoholism, other substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and unemployment. Members of the community were educated on risk factors for suicide and high-risk individuals were linked to services and community-based prevention-focused activities, using a systems-based approach. Workshop sessions were followed by screening and clinical interventions, community events, social services, and school-based prevention programsthat involved stakeholders such as tribal leaders and elders, family members, and health professionals. Additional program components included local surveillance and outreach, diligent record-keeping, consistent evaluation, community-based education, integration of appropriate violence and substance abuse prevention services, a team-based approach, a behavioral health base, cultural relevance, and integration into the tribal infrastructure. Community members were involved at all levels of the program, from planning through implementation. All community members were involved in the program in some capacity, whether as part of peer training, as informal counselors, or as program advocates. During the planning process, community members indicated that suicidality could not be addressed as a problem of individuals, as multiple social risk factors contributed to the problem [ 28 ].

According to the outcome evaluation, the total number of self-destructive acts declined within the targeted age group by 73% across the program’s span. The clearest drop in frequency was of suicidal gestures, although suicide attempts were also significantly lowered [ 28 ]. By acknowledging and addressing socioeconomic conditions that contributed to tribal youths’ suicidal behaviors, the program fostered active community involvement, which in turn promoted the de-individualization and de-stigmatization of suicide. The evaluation suggested that suicide prevention programs need to identify and mitigate underlying social, psychological, and developmental issues. The authors also highlighted the importance of active and ongoing community involvement and participation in the development and implementation of such programs. These recommendations reflect the principles of a social justice framework: Acknowledgment of the insidious effect of social injustice on suicidal behavior, the relevance of involvement, and use of thoughtful, community-driven actions to address issues. This program can therefore serve as a template to craft social-justice-based approaches to suicide prevention, especially because of its promising results.

Other suicide prevention projects have also indicated a need to address historic and multiple social factors in suicide prevention. Walls, Hautala, and Hurley [ 48 ] found that Aboriginal First Nation community members in multiple sites identified historical trauma and normalization of suicide as key risk factors. Loss of a sense of tribal identity and communication barriers leading to social disconnection were identified as underlying causes of this normalization, and a need to return to pre-colonial forms and levels of connectedness was highlighted as a means of lowering suicide risk.

Conclusions

Unjust and discriminatory societal conditions and attitudes often contribute to suicides. Some groups and/or communities are disproportionately affected by these societal conditions, particularly those that have experienced historical trauma, such as tribal and other marginalized communities. Generally, current suicide prevention efforts do not incorporate ways to adequately acknowledge or address these disparities or discriminatory practices. Therefore, we posit that a social justice practice framework is needed, especially in states like New Mexico and in tribal and aboriginal communities, where at-risk individuals face a host of interrelated socioeconomic and other issues that increase vulnerability to suicide.

By highlighting injustices, this framework pushes people to question and examine the historical, socioeconomic, cultural, and other factors that contribute to suicide, which can in turn help promote protective factors and reduce risk factors identified by the socioecological model currently utilized by the United States Surgeon General [ 47 ] and the WHO (2020) in its Global Campaign for Violence Prevention. A social justice framework not only acknowledges that a variety of external social and environmental influences can detrimentally affect individual suicidality, but also proposes that these exogenous factors can be altered [ 4 ]. In doing so, this framework promotes community education and engagement, which in turn helps combat the privatization of pain and the individualism of suicide [ 39 ]. It also has the capacity to reduce stigmatization of and negative judgments towards suicide, which can then create spaces for disclosure, dialogue, and help-seeking behaviors [ 44 ]. Although not all instances of suicide are responses to social injustice, incorporating this framework into suicide prevention strategies and programs can foster a more nuanced understanding of the problem and enhance the effectiveness of prevention efforts [ 39 ].

Although a social justice framework has the theoretical and intuitive potential to improve suicide prevention efforts, rigorous evaluations are necessary to document its efficacy. Previous systematic reviews of suicide prevention strategies and interventions stress the need for increases in the number and quality of evaluations to optimize the use of limited resources [ 7 , 27 ]. Currently, only education of physicians in identifying at-risk individuals and restricting access to lethal methods has been shown to effectively reduce suicide rates [ 27 ]. Other social justice-based interventions, like stigma reduction campaigns, public education efforts, awareness campaigns, inclusion/connectedness strategies, and others need further testing to evaluate their efficacy [ 27 ].

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

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SH completed initial draft of paper, as part of an internship with SR. SH, SR1, and EEK contributed to revising, further researching, and editing the article’s subsequent drafts. SR2 contributed to penultimate edit. EEK completed the final edit and prepared the manuscript for submission. All authors read and approved the various versions of manuscript.

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Hochhauser, S., Rao, S., England-Kennedy, E. et al. Why social justice matters: a context for suicide prevention efforts. Int J Equity Health 19 , 76 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-020-01173-9

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How democracy can work at community level: 3 lessons from a South African protest movement

Professor of Sociology, University of Johannesburg

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Luke Sinwell received funding from the National Research Foundation.

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Popular protests have surged around the world over the last decade . But do they work? And what lessons can be learnt from communities who have a history of militant protests?

When the African National Congress (ANC) was elected to power in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994 , many believed that popular protests , which were the norm in the fight against apartheid, would no longer be necessary. It was assumed that the party would deliver quality housing and education, safety and economic prosperity to the previously oppressed black majority.

But by the late 1990s popular protests in communities affected by water and electricity cutoffs and evictions ushered in a new era of social movements . One of the first communities to protest against the new government was Thembelihle informal settlement. The term “informal settlement” denotes an area where people occupied land and built shacks, usually without the state’s authorisation.

As a scholar of popular history and grassroots mobilisation in South Africa, I am interested in the role that ordinary people play in shaping policies and social structures. My most recent book focuses on grassroots or participatory democracy in Thembelihle .

I carried out an in-depth case study between 2018 and 2022 of the Thembelihle informal settlement of about 25,000 residents, 40 kilometres south-west of the inner city of Johannesburg.

I argue that Thembelihle is a hopeful reminder that mass action does bring real change to the lives of ordinary people, but only under certain conditions.

I draw three important lessons from this case study.

Firstly, when formal democratic institutions fail to address the needs of ordinary people, they must form their own organisations to represent their interests.

Secondly, it’s possible to create organisations that are genuinely accountable to the people who have set them up.

Thirdly, it is possible to imagine a world where electoral politics has a positive relationship with grassroots militancy.

The history

In 1983, residents erected shacks and made their home in Thembelihle. Many found it convenient since they found work in a local brick factory.

When the ANC came into power in 1994 promising a “ better life for all ”, residents in Thembelihle and elsewhere had a deep sense of hope about the future.

Read more: Local knowledge adds value to mapping flood risk in South Africa's informal settlements

In 2011, the year that its residents led a week-long occupation of the roads in protest against electricity cuts, nearly half the population of the ward lived in shacks, and 40% had no income whatsoever .

With the onslaught of the political and economic crisis associated with COVID-19 a decade later, it is reasonable to conclude that these levels have either remained relatively static or got worse .

Organise to promote your interests

The first lesson is that organisations that represent the interests of local people can be effective.

In June 2002, the notorious security company called the Red Ants was sent by the government to forcibly evict the people of Thembelihle on the contentious grounds that the area was unsafe for human habitation.

Residents vehemently contested this, calling upon the City of Johannesburg to commission an independent geological survey . The government insisted that earlier surveys showed sinkholes in the area.

Thousands occupied the streets to defend their homes from being destroyed. This mass action halted the evictions and provided a springboard for the formation of the Thembelihle Crisis Committee . The democratic grassroots structure elects its own leadership and has been in existence for more than 20 years.

In 2015 these residents embarked on a three-week demonstration during which 72 activists were arrested. Negotiations followed between the government and Thembelihle’s leaders. By the end of October that year, the government decided to electrify the settlement . Today residents have access to electricity.

In 2016 then president Jacob Zuma even suggested during his visit to Thembelihle that residents’ persistent direct action had led the government to provide electricity to the entire Gauteng region.

Accountable local democracy

The second lesson this community teaches us is that it’s possible to build autonomous organisations which are accountable to ordinary people. Mass meetings in Thembelihle are controlled and led by the people themselves. Decisions are made by consensus or by show of hands.

Residents call the mass meetings “ The People’s Parliament ”. The “parliament” is called when residents wish to address a community concern. They normally consist of 200 to 300 people, but may soar to 2,000 during times of crisis.

As Trevor Ngwane , a community-activist in Gauteng, witnessed and documented in his PhD thesis , decisions could be made during the meeting and then acted upon directly afterwards. Ngwane calls this “ grassroots democracy ” or “ Democracy on the Margins ”. My recent article suggests that the people’s parliament in Thembelihle is an emblematic form of popular participation whereby the people govern themselves.

Electoral politics can bolster local mobilisation

The third lesson is that electoral politics can potentially reinforce the power of local organisations at the forefront of protests.

Residents formed their own party in local government called Operation Khanyisa Movement in 2006.

It is perhaps the only party in South Africa that has been directly rooted in, controlled by, and accountable to grassroots structures. The party’s candidates for positions on the local council are subject to the right of recall. It is used to ensure that candidates are under direct control of the community organisation that elected them.

These candidates are the only ones to my knowledge who sign a pledge which legally binds them to certain principles . For example, their salary will first be sent to the Operation Khanyisa Movement, after which they will receive a basic allowance or living wage. Candidates also pledge to lead struggles and protests in the community.

Read more: Africa's high density urban settlements: cut the red tape and slash the cost of housing

Khanyisa Movement councillors have developed an impressive track record in pushing forward the struggles of the community . These include supporting migrants among them, protesting for basic services, and calling for meetings with various government officials.

The struggles in Thembelihle serve as a reminder that the rules, norms and boundaries within which decisions are made at the ballot box, at public meetings and in the streets must be re-imagined on the terms of the dispossessed.

Without this, elected officials merely make attractive pledges they then break while speaking the language of the people, to pacify and control them, thus denying them their rights.

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