Social justice: when did it start and why it matters?

The United Nations World Day of Social Justice (20 February) reminds us of the global challenges that we are facing, the need to build fairer and more equitable societies, to reflect on what we have achieved globally and to identify priorities for action. Professor Jonathan Glazzard, Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice at the University of Hull, highlights the work in progress at the University and the need for us all to work towards a more socially just society.

John Rawls proposed the concept of 'justice as fairness' in the late 20^th century. Rawls, one of the most influential political philosophers of the 20th century, emphasised the importance of the fair distribution of goods to ensure maximum benefit for the least advantaged members of society. The term has since evolved to mean different things to various people with different vested interests. Although the term is relatively contemporary, the philosophy underpinning social justice can be identified in the writings of Kant, Descartes and Locke as well as other great philosophers.

The origins of social justice for women can perhaps be traced back to the Feminist movement which originated in 18^th century Europe, and the suffrage movement which started in the 1800s. In education, the 1944 Education Act ensured free compulsory full-time education for children aged five to 15. In health, the concept of a National Health Service, free at the point of delivery from cradle to grave, can arguably be traced back to the National Insurance system that was introduced by David Lloyd George in 1911.

Global inequalities

Despite these significant advances in social justice, it might be argued that Rawls’ principle of fair distribution of goods has not yet come to fruition. Globally there is unequal access to healthcare, housing, employment, and education. Across the world, we are witnessing rising mental ill-health issues. There are widespread inequalities, exclusion, and discrimination in relation to race, gender, disability and sexual orientation within and across societies. There are barriers to full participation in the global economy for developing countries. In the UK and elsewhere, rising food inflation, energy costs, unemployment and access to housing are resulting in absolute poverty for some sections of society. In the UK increasing house prices, precarious employment and the cost of university education are significant challenges facing young people today. Climate change is also a major and urgent challenge for all countries.

Although academic debates about social justice continue to circulate, it is perhaps more important to consider what organisations are doing to advance fairness, rights, equity, care and peace and to tackle the current injustices that we are facing globally. The United Nations World Day of Social Justice on 20 February reminds us of the global challenges that we are facing, the need to build fairer and more equitable societies, to reflect on what we have achieved globally and to identify priorities for action.

Tackling injustices

My appointment as Professor of Education for Social Justice demonstrates the University’s strategic commitment to social justice. I am currently researching the views of LGBTQ+ disabled young people and exploring the multiple forms of disadvantage and inequality that they experience. I am particularly concerned about the recently published non-statutory government guidance on Gender Questioning Children which states that there is no general duty for schools or colleges to allow a child or young person to socially transition. However, research demonstrates that social transitioning can have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. I am delighted to be working for a University that has developed a Social Justice and Inclusion Strategy which emphasises the University’s commitment to the principles of fairness and equality of opportunity. The Strategy outlines the University’s commitment to a diverse staff and student community, tackling inequalities, social responsibility and collaborating with communities to tackle injustices. Social Justice is at the heart of the University’s Strategy 2030.

Dr Gill Hughes's commitment to public engagement is truly remarkable. Gill works with a large partnership network in the city on a wide variety of projects. Gill adopts a participatory approach, which places the needs of community members and organisations at the heart of transformational change. Dr Lisa Jones has led a climate action project to address the climate challenges in Vietnam. The project is youth-led and uses participatory and collaborative approaches to mitigate against the challenges of climate change. Dr David Eldridge and Dr Lucy Fielding have collaborated to produce the play Safer. This is a ground-breaking play developed through an innovative research and knowledge exchange partnership with local LGBTQIA+ rugby club, the Hull Roundheads. The project is funded by Wellcome Trust, delivered and supported by The British Science Association. The 50-minute compelling play tackles inclusivity in sport and amplifies the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. It is currently being performed in schools and colleges.

Our world-leading Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation is a member of the Humber Modern Slavery Partnership. This is a strategic network of agencies across Humberside which collaborate to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking. Our Slavery Research has received royal recognition and is helping governments, businesses and communities root out slavery. Dr Christine Smith has led research which has explored the impact of austerity and the Covid-19 pandemic on youth services. The research was conducted between 2021-2022 and was a collaboration between the University of Hull and the Youth Work Unit, supported by the Universities of Huddersfield, Leeds Beckett University, York St John University, and Sheffield Hallam University. The report State of the Region's Youth Sector highlights disproportionate differences in access to youth work provision across the Yorkshire and Humber region and identifies the need for a regional strategy to address youth services provision.

Small steps

There are many more academics working on projects in the University which are equally important as these I have mentioned. The University has a diverse and inclusive campus with a strong community of students and staff who are passionate about social justice. Research, knowledge exchange and education all play a vital role in advancing social justice. Working towards a fairer, healthier, greener, and more equitable society is an ambitious goal. However, if each of us takes one small step towards that goal we will be a step closer to the vision that was articulated by John Rawls. One person cannot do it all, but each one of us can do something to create a more socially just society. Collaboratively, academics at the University of Hull, in partnership with communities and organisations are making the difference that is so desperately needed to tackle injustice.

Professor Jonathan Glazzard is the first Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice in the School of Education at the University of Hull. Rosalind G Hollis (4 Apr 1931 - 6 Dec 2021) was a former student at the University of Hull.