Social Justice
1. Introduction
1. United Nations
“Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights
and opportunities. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for
everyone, particularly those in greatest need.”
(United Nations, 2006. Social Justice in an Open World: The Role of the United Nations.
Department of Economic and Social Affairs)
2. John Rawls (1971) – A Theory of Justice
“Social justice means providing equal basic liberties, equality of opportunity, and promoting
the interests of the least advantaged members of society.”
(Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press)
3. Nancy Fraser (1997) – Justice Interruptus
“Social justice requires both redistribution of material resources and recognition of cultural
difference.”
(Fraser, N. (1997). Justice Interruptus: Critical Reflections on the "Postsocialist" Condition.
Routledge)
4. Amartya Sen (2009) – The Idea of Justice
“Social justice is about removing substantial injustices and creating capabilities for people to
lead the kind of lives they value.”
(Sen, A. (2009). The Idea of Justice. Harvard University Press)
5. David Miller (1999) – Principles of Social Justice
“Social justice concerns the way in which benefits and burdens are distributed among
members of a society.”
(Miller, D. (1999). Principles of Social Justice. Harvard University Press)
Overview and Background of Social Justice
Social justice refers to a fair and equitable division of resources, opportunities, and privileges
in society. Originally a religious concept, it has come to be conceptualized more loosely as the
just organization of social institutions that deliver access to economic benefits. It is sometimes
referred to as "distributive justice."
One of the most influential explorations of social justice comes from the 20th-century
American philosopher John Rawls. In "A Theory of Justice" (1971), which he labeled as a
theory of social justice, Rawls outlined his vision of “justice as fairness.”
For Rawls, this meant that people ought to consider the rules for a fair allotment of social goods
within a society as well as the levels of inequality that can be allowed within a society. Rawls
famously used the concept of a "veil of ignorance," a pretense of ignorance about where one
will end up in any given society that Rawls thought ought to be used to arrange society, as well
as the "principle of difference," which holds that social and economic inequalities can be
acceptable if they benefit the whole of society.
The basic element of fairness is crucial, especially in the access to social resources, sometimes
called “social goods.” While it may sound abstract, how social goods are distributed is
immensely impactful. Importantly, the “social determinants” of outcomes are considered
central to whether or not a system is just.
In public health, for example, the place of birth can alter what healthcare options a person has
and, therefore, also how long that person lives. To account for this, social justice advocates in
healthcare might focus on extending the probability that people will be healthy despite resource
inadequacies they may face for historical or economic reasons.
Five Principles of Social Justice
There are five main principles of social justice that are paramount to understanding the concept
better. Namely, these are access to resources, equity, participation, diversity, and human rights.
1. Access to Resources
Access to resources is an important principle of social justice and refers to the extent to which
different socioeconomic groups receive equal access to give everyone an equal start in life.
Many societies offer a multitude of resources and services for their citizens, such as healthcare,
food, shelter, education, and recreational opportunities. However, unequal access to such
services often exists.
For example, individuals from wealthy households among the upper and upper-middle classes
are often better able to afford to attend good schools and access post-secondary education,
which leads to a greater chance of obtaining high-paying jobs which diversity is taken into
consideration.
2. Equity
Equity refers to how individuals are given tools specific to their needs and socioeconomic
status in order to move towards similar outcomes. It contrasts with equality, where everyone is
offered the same tools to move towards the same outcome.
As such, often, things that are equal are not equitable due to the more advanced needs of some
individuals and groups. Social justice, integrated with addressing equity issues, might include
advancing policies that provide support to overcome systemic barriers.
3. Participation
Participation refers to how everyone in society is given a voice and opportunity to verbalize
their opinions and concerns and have a role in any decision-making that affects their livelihood
and standard of living. Social injustice occurs when a small group of individuals makes
decisions for a large group, while some people are unable to voice their opinions.
4. Diversity
Understanding diversity and appreciating the value of cultural differences are especially
important because policymakers are often better able to construct policies that take into
consideration differences that exist among different societal groups. It is important to recognize
that some groups face more barriers in society, and by considering the inequities, policymakers
and civil servants will be in a stronger position to expand opportunities for marginalized or
disadvantaged groups.
Discrimination in employment on the basis of factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, sex, age,
and other characteristics are constant issues in society, and enforcing policies to countermand
discriminatory practices are one way in which diversity is taken into consideration.
5. Human Rights
Human rights are one of the most important principles of social justice and form a foundational
part of the concept. Human rights and social justice are certainly interrelated, and it is
impossible for one to exist without the other.
Human rights are fundamental to societies that respect the civil, economic, political, cultural,
and legal rights of individuals and governments, organizations, and individuals must be held
responsible if they fail to ensure the upholding of these rights. They are extremely important
in many societies and are recognized internationally through institutions such as the
International Criminal Court and the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Equality = treating everyone the same.
Equity = treating people fairly based on need.
Equity vs Equality in Social Justice
Aspect Equality Equity
Giving everyone the same Giving people resources based on their
Definition
resources or opportunities. specific needs to ensure fair outcomes.
Goal Sameness Fairness
Recognizes that individuals face different
Assumes everyone starts from
Approach circumstances and seeks to level the
the same place.
playing field.
Providing extra support (e.g., better
Example in Providing the same school
teachers, stipends, transport) to rural
Education infrastructure to urban and rural
schools because they face more
(Pakistan) areas.
challenges.
Aspect Equality Equity
May maintain inequality if
historical or social Helps to reduce structural barriers and
Outcome
disadvantages aren't foster real equality of opportunity.
considered.
Why Equity Is Essential in Social Justice
In countries like Pakistan, equality alone is not enough. Many groups—such as women,
religious minorities, rural populations, and people with disabilities—do not start from the
same position due to historical injustices, poverty, or discrimination. Therefore, applying
equity-focused measures helps address these imbalances
2. Social Justice as a Remedy for Structural Violence
Structural violence refers to systematic ways in which social structures harm or otherwise
disadvantage individuals. Unlike direct violence, structural violence is often invisible and
embedded in the fabric of society through inequalities in health, education, income, and access
to resources.
The concept was popularized by Norwegian sociologist Johan Galtung, who argued that
structural violence occurs when people are prevented from achieving their full potential due to
unjust social structures.
Social justice serves as a remedy to structural violence by addressing the root causes of
inequality and promoting systems that ensure fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all. When
structural barriers are dismantled and replaced with just policies and inclusive frameworks,
social healing and long-term peace become possible.
Structural Violence in Pakistani Society
Structural violence in Pakistan manifests through:
• Gender discrimination
• Caste-based marginalization (e.g., sanitation workers from lower castes)
• Unequal access to education, particularly in rural areas
• Class-based health disparities
• Ethnic tensions and unequal development among provinces
Example:
Children in Tharparkar, Sindh, suffer from high malnutrition and mortality rates due to long-
term neglect in healthcare and clean water infrastructure—an example of structural violence
rooted in policy failure and regional inequality.
How Social Justice Remedies Structural Violence
1. Policy Reforms and Redistribution
Social justice frameworks demand equitable policies that redistribute resources to marginalized
areas.
Example:
The Ehsaas Program provides financial aid, scholarships, and healthcare support to low-
income families—aiming to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion.
2. Legal Empowerment and Rights-Based Approaches
Social justice challenges structural violence through legal reforms that secure rights for
oppressed groups.
Example:
The Women’s Protection Bill (2016) in Punjab introduced mechanisms such as women's
shelters and helplines to safeguard victims of domestic abuse and give them access to justice.
3. Education as an Equalizer
Access to quality education empowers individuals to overcome generational cycles of poverty
and exclusion.
Example:
Programs like Teach For Pakistan work in underprivileged schools to provide quality
instruction, challenging the systemic disadvantage students face due to their socioeconomic
background.
4. Promoting Inclusive Governance
Ensuring that all groups—regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity—have a voice in decision-
making counters exclusion.
Example:
The reserved seats for women and minorities in the National and Provincial Assemblies
help include historically marginalized communities in lawmaking processes.
5. Challenging Cultural and Social Norms
Social justice also involves confronting discriminatory social attitudes that sustain structural
violence.
Example:
Organizations like Aurat Foundation and Blue Veins run campaigns to combat early child
marriages and honor killings, particularly in tribal and conservative regions.
Conclusion
Structural violence cannot be addressed by surface-level interventions; it requires systemic
transformation guided by the values of social justice—equity, participation, human rights,
diversity, and access. By identifying and correcting the structural roots of harm, social justice
serves not only as a framework of fairness but as a tool for peacebuilding and human
dignity in Pakistani society.
3. Social Justice as a Long-Term Peace Strategy
Social justice is not merely a means to alleviate current injustices—it is a sustainable
peacebuilding strategy that ensures lasting harmony within a society. Peace, in the context of
peace psychology, is not just the absence of direct violence but the presence of equitable
conditions, dignity, and participatory inclusion for all.
Social justice contributes to long-term peace by transforming systems of oppression, promoting
inclusiveness, and addressing the root causes of conflict such as poverty, discrimination,
marginalization, and unequal power relations.
Theoretical Foundation: Peace Psychology Perspective
From the perspective of peace psychology, enduring peace requires:
• Addressing structural and cultural violence
• Promoting positive peace (not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice)
• Fostering reconciliation, equity, and healing
This aligns closely with the goals of social justice, which seeks to build societies where human
rights, dignity, and fair access are guaranteed.
How Social Justice Ensures Sustainable Peace
1. Eliminating Root Causes of Conflict
Social injustice breeds resentment, unrest, and even violence. Long-term peace is achieved by
removing the socio-political conditions that create inequality.
Example
In Balochistan, decades of underdevelopment and lack of representation have led to grievances
and separatist sentiments. Addressing these issues through resource-sharing, employment
generation, and inclusive policies (e.g., Balochistan package) is essential for peace.
2. Empowering Marginalized Communities
Social justice ensures participation of historically excluded groups in governance and public
life, reducing alienation and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Example
Programs like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have economically
empowered rural women, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation and fostering community
stability.
3. Promoting Intergroup Harmony
Social justice promotes interethnic and interfaith understanding by respecting diversity and
ensuring no group is disadvantaged due to identity.
Example
The National Commission for Minorities and interfaith harmony initiatives promote
protection and equal rights for Christians, Hindus, and other religious minorities, thus
reducing communal tensions.
4. Restorative Justice and Reconciliation
Peace is preserved through restorative justice mechanisms—acknowledging past harms,
making amends, and restoring relationships.
Example
In post-conflict regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, initiatives like Disarmament,
Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), led by the military and local NGOs, aim to
rehabilitate former militants and rebuild communities.
5. Investing in Human Development
Long-term peace is sustained when societies invest in education, health, and economic
opportunity for all, reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Example
The Punjab Education Reforms Program (PERP) focuses on improving school access and
teacher quality in marginalized areas, aiming to curb illiteracy—a known driver of
radicalization and social unrest.
Peace through Equity: The Pakistani Context
Without addressing injustice, any peace is fragile. Peace psychology calls for preventive
strategies—not reactive ones. Social justice gives people a stake in peace by making them feel
valued, heard, and treated fairly.
As noted in a study by Khan & Ullah (2020) in the Pakistan Journal of Peace and Conflict
Studies, perceived injustice among youth in conflict-prone areas correlates strongly with
political violence. Thus, fair resource allocation, minority rights, and political inclusion are not
just moral imperatives—they are peace strategies.
Conclusion
Peace built on fear or oppression is temporary. True and lasting peace in Pakistan can only
be achieved when justice is woven into the fabric of society—economically, politically, and
socially. Social justice ensures not just the resolution of conflicts, but the prevention of their
recurrence by addressing the deep-rooted inequalities that fuel them.
4. Challenges in Implementing Social Justice as a Remedy for Structural Violence
While social justice is a powerful tool for addressing structural violence, its practical
implementation faces numerous challenges, particularly in countries like Pakistan where
systemic inequalities are deeply entrenched. These challenges arise due to political, economic,
cultural, and institutional barriers, which hinder the translation of social justice ideals into
sustainable policy and practice.
1. Deep-Rooted Inequality and Feudal Structures
Pakistan's feudal system in rural areas maintains a rigid class structure, where landowners
exercise significant control over the lives of laborers, limiting their access to education,
healthcare, and political participation.
Example:
In districts like Tharparkar (Sindh), lower-caste Hindu minorities working under feudal
landlords face systemic exclusion from development programs. A 2020 report by the Human
Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) noted bonded labor, poor housing, and denial of
basic services.
Challenge: Social justice efforts struggle to penetrate these entrenched power structures due
to elite capture and lack of land reforms.
2. Weak Governance and Corruption
Policies meant to ensure equity are often diluted by poor implementation, political favoritism,
and misuse of resources.
Example:
Programs like Zakat distribution and BISP have faced criticism due to politicization and lack
of transparency. Studies (e.g., Javed & Waqar, 2018, Pakistan Journal of Social Issues) found
that funds often fail to reach the poorest due to leakages in the system.
Challenge: Corruption undermines trust in public institutions and blocks the delivery of
justice-based services.
3. Gender Discrimination and Patriarchy
Despite some progressive laws, patriarchal norms continue to marginalize women in
education, work, and inheritance rights.
Example:
Only 7% of women in Balochistan have completed secondary education (Pakistan Social and
Living Standards Measurement Survey, 2022). Women face mobility restrictions, early
marriage, and limited decision-making power.
Challenge: Cultural resistance to gender equity slows down the realization of social justice
for half the population.
4. Ethnic and Sectarian Divides
Sectarianism and ethnic discrimination erode the sense of unity needed for equitable
policymaking and fuel structural violence.
Example:
In Karachi, ethnic-based job quotas have caused tensions between Muhajir, Sindhi, and
Pashtun communities. Meanwhile, Hazara Shias in Quetta have faced targeted attacks and
limited access to public services and safe mobility.
Challenge: Ethnic and sectarian divisions often prevent universal policy frameworks from
being accepted and fairly applied.
5. Limited Access to Justice
Judicial delays, lack of legal awareness, and economic constraints prevent many marginalized
citizens from seeking redress.
Example:
According to the Legal Aid Society Pakistan (2021), women from low-income backgrounds
in Punjab often avoid reporting domestic violence due to fear of retaliation and lack of faith in
the police and courts.
Challenge: Without accessible legal recourse, social justice remains a theoretical ideal for
many disadvantaged groups.
6. Lack of Inclusive Policy Design
Many national development policies are top-down and do not incorporate the voices of
vulnerable populations.
Example:
The National Education Policy (2017) failed to address the specific needs of children with
disabilities. Only 5% of schools in Pakistan are inclusive, and many lack trained special
educators (UNESCO, 2022).
Challenge: Non-participatory policymaking often overlooks those most in need of justice.
7. Security-Development Trade-Off
In conflict-prone areas like FATA and Balochistan, militarized approaches often overshadow
development and justice initiatives.
Example:
Post-merger FATA reforms have been slow, with limited progress in establishing civilian
courts, health facilities, and schools. Locals complain of continued military dominance
without adequate justice reforms (ICG Report, 2020).
Challenge: Security-focused governance can sideline long-term social justice efforts,
fostering continued structural violence.
8. Religious and Cultural Misinterpretations
Social justice can face backlash when interpreted as “Westernized” or conflicting with
traditional or religious values.
Example:
Efforts to pass the Domestic Violence Bill in Punjab faced severe resistance from religious
parties who claimed it undermines “family values.” This delayed the bill for years despite rising
domestic violence cases.
Challenge: Misinterpretations of religion are used to resist progressive change, even when
justice and compassion are core Islamic values.
Conclusion
Despite constitutional guarantees and international commitments, Pakistan faces multi-
layered obstacles in implementing social justice as a remedy for structural violence. Without
addressing these challenges—through reforms, grassroots empowerment, and genuine political
will—efforts toward peace and justice will remain incomplete.
Peace psychology highlights the importance of transformative justice—which cannot be
achieved unless these structural and cultural barriers are systematically dismantled.
5. Recommendations for Promoting Social Justice in Pakistan
(As a Remedy for Structural Violence through the Lens of Peace Psychology)
To address the deep-rooted structural violence in Pakistani society, peace psychology
emphasizes building systems that promote inclusion, equity, and long-term well-being. The
following recommendations aim to operationalize social justice through policy, education,
grassroots initiatives, and systemic reform, grounded in real-life Pakistani contexts and
supported by research.
1. Education Reform for Equity and Critical Thinking
Why it matters: Education is a foundational tool in dismantling structural violence by
fostering awareness, empathy, and empowerment.
Recommendation:
• Implement inclusive education policies that ensure access to quality education for
girls, minorities, children with disabilities, and rural populations.
• Incorporate peace education, ethics, and civic rights into the curriculum to promote
values of tolerance and justice.
Example:
The “Teach for Pakistan” initiative has been working in underserved areas like interior Sindh
and Islamabad’s slums, promoting educational equity. Their impact studies (2020) showed
improved literacy rates and socio-emotional development in low-income schools.
2. Land and Labor Reforms (Blue Collar)
Why it matters: Economic disparities maintained through feudalism and exploitative labor
practices are a core form of structural violence.
Recommendation:
• Introduce and enforce land reforms to break feudal monopolies.
• Strengthen labor protections for domestic workers, bonded laborers, and informal
sector employees.
Example:
The Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Act (2019) is a pioneering law recognizing female
farm laborers' rights, but its implementation remains weak. Expanding this across provinces
can protect millions of rural women.
3. Legal Aid and Justice Access for Marginalized Groups
Why it matters: Structural violence persists when victims cannot access justice due to poverty,
illiteracy, or fear.
Recommendation:
• Provide free legal aid services, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.
• Reform police systems to be more community-oriented and responsive to vulnerable
populations.
Example:
The Aurat Foundation’s Legal Aid Centres have helped hundreds of women file cases of
domestic violence and inheritance disputes. Their 2018 report showed a 35% increase in rural
women accessing courts after support programs.
4. Gender-Responsive Policies and Political Representation
Why it matters: Gender inequality is both a cause and result of structural violence.
Recommendation:
• Expand implementation of Gender Equality Laws (like the Protection Against
Harassment Act).
• Ensure greater female representation in local governance and peacebuilding
processes.
Example:
In Chitral, the “Women as Agents of Peace” program by the United Nations Women Pakistan
trained women leaders in conflict resolution and community mobilization. This significantly
reduced local disputes and gender-based violence reports (2019 study).
5. Inclusive Policy Design and Community Participation
Why it matters: Policies without community involvement often miss ground realities and fail
to deliver justice.
Recommendation:
• Involve grassroots voices, including minorities, youth, and the disabled, in local and
national policymaking.
• Adopt participatory budgeting at district levels to reflect real community needs.
Example:
The Khairpur District Community Development Program in Sindh involved local women,
youth, and minorities in budget planning for sanitation and schools. A 2021 case study by the
PIDE (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics) highlighted increased transparency and
improved infrastructure.
6. Media and Narrative Change for Peace and Inclusion
Why it matters: Media can shape public attitudes and normalize violence or inclusion.
Recommendation:
• Promote peace journalism and highlight success stories of coexistence, justice, and
resistance to oppression.
• Train journalists on sensitive reporting on issues like religious intolerance, gender, and
caste.
Example:
The Digital Rights Foundation has conducted workshops for journalists in KP and Punjab to
report ethically on gender-based violence and minority rights. Their evaluations (2022) showed
improved reporting standards and reduced sensationalism.
7. Decentralization and Empowerment of Local Governance
Why it matters: Top-down models often overlook regional disparities and local conflicts.
Recommendation:
• Strengthen local bodies and give them financial autonomy to design community-centric
justice policies.
• Encourage inter-provincial equity, addressing historical neglect in regions like
Balochistan and South Punjab.
Example:
In Mardan (KP), devolution under the Local Government Act allowed community councils to
address water and sanitation issues, improving health outcomes in poor neighborhoods (UNDP
Evaluation Report, 2019).
8. Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Peacebuilding
Why it matters: Peace psychology underscores the interpersonal and psychological
dimensions of structural violence.
Recommendation:
• Integrate mental health services in schools, prisons, and post-conflict zones.
• Train teachers and social workers in trauma-informed care.
Example:
In Swat, after years of conflict, the Agha Khan Development Network (AKDN) introduced
school-based mental health programs. They found a 42% decrease in behavioral issues among
conflict-affected youth (2020 AKU report).
9. Religious and Cultural Reframing of Justice
Why it matters: Misinterpretation of religion is often used to block justice reforms.
Recommendation:
• Engage progressive religious scholars to reframe concepts of equity, women’s rights,
and dignity within Islamic teachings.
• Develop curricula that integrate peaceful Islamic values with civic responsibility.
Example:
The “Paigham-e-Pakistan” fatwa initiative launched by the Government of Pakistan,
endorsed by 1,800 religious scholars, called for harmony, peace, and the rejection of violence
in the name of religion. This can be extended to promote social justice values.
Conclusion
For social justice to effectively dismantle structural violence in Pakistan, efforts must be multi-
sectoral, context-sensitive, and deeply inclusive. Peace psychology offers a guiding
framework—emphasizing healing, empowerment, and equity at every level of societ
