social injustice essay summary

Social Injustice: What is it and what are the solutions?

• July 29, 2020
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Before jumping into social injustice, it’s best to know first what social justice means.  Social and justice, these two words come together and make a concept of fair and just relations between individuals and society, as measured by any means that involves society.

In older Asian cultures and in Western culture, social justice is usually mentioned as the process of ensuring that individuals fulfill their societal roles and receive what was their due from society. Social justice is sometimes neglected, but it actually assigns duties and rights in society.

By this, people are then able to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation. In today’s era, this has been a wild issue because of the current happenings that lead to finding the real meaning of social justice, and why is it being forgotten by many.

Humanity is more connected than ever before. The people of the media has always been quick to point out the social injustices seen in the world. People around the globe would then come together to stand for what truly is right and moral. Social justice asserts the idea that all humans should have the same rights and the same opportunities.

We all have innate value as human beings, no one is superior to the other. One’s value is never greater nor smaller lesser than the other.

The complete reciprocal of social justice, social injustice, has been happening for a long time. This topic is really relevant. The human race has always committed social injustice on fellow beings. People are fallible.

Every single one of us at a certain age has perpetrated social injustice for some time during our lives. Only a fool would brag that he or she had never perpetrated social injustice.

Even those who protest against social injustice may have done an act of social injustice at some point in their lives. Social injustice has paved the way for unjust actions in society. When the equals are treated unequally, that is when social injustice resurface. Common examples of social injustice include the topics about discrimination, ageism and gender and sexuality.

These are just the most common ones. There are still a lot because social injustice definitely is a wide topic. These injustices occur to any aspect of the society to which inequality arises. This is a result of unjust prejudices or policies.

Social Injustice

Different issues about social injustice always come to the forefront at different times. Some might be more relevant across different nations or governments, societies and even cultures.

These issues affect people’s access to goods, services and opportunities that everyone should have. Equal human rights should be simple to achieve. However, because of the spreading social injustices around the globe, equal human rights are never that simple.

The views of people have morphed over the years, some do not realize they are perpetuating social injustice. Here are some of the examples of social injustice.

Racial Inequality

While several global organizations are looking to provide equal rights to all, racial discrimination is still a hot topic. There are any incidents illustrating that racial discrimination has not been irradiated.

These incidents are still happening even with laws being placed around the world. Because of the recent publicly seen oppression of a black man in the United States, the movement “Black Lives Matter” take over the world. The United States still struggle to get away from its troubled history of racism.

Racism still has not stopped. The world has been suffering from this from the colonization and founding by the white landowners. These white landowners enslaved millions of people from Africa and their descendants. Now, a black man, George Floyd was murdered by the police. 

In 2019, a report by the New York Times has found that the average white American has seven times the wealth of the average black American. That is definitely one striking example of inequality. The example is definitely one of the effects of racial inequality rippling throughout society that impacts education, healthcare, and even law enforcement.

Black Americans are also disproportionately arrested, charged, and sentenced to jail time. A troubling statistic has found out that police are 3.5 times more likely to kill black Americans than white Americans, according to the American Psychological Association.

Because of such incidents, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement has brought many instances to light, such as increasing public awareness of racial injustice. This, and also increasing public awareness of racially motivated violence by officers and authority figures.

The Black Lives Matter movement has helped shift public sentiment in favor of systemic reform of law enforcement. This is through demonstrations and activism in the United States and abroad.

Under racial  inequality; slavery, stereotyping and segregation are three of the specifics. 

Although this was abolished in America in 1865, this cannot be forgotten. Slavery is an ultimate example of racial inequality or racial discrimination. People of color, like the African-Americans, were being forced into servitude on homes and farms. They were treated deplorably.

You probably think that the issue is left years and decades ago, and that slavery is was a non-issue in current culture. However, it’s still a social injustice issue found around the world. 40 million people around the world were still trapped in some form of slavery, including marriage slavery and forced labor, according to Free the Slaves, in 2017.

Stereotyping

There is positive and negative stereotyping. The latter is the issue that needs attention.

Since the 9/11, Muslims have faced discrimination and prejudice in America. This was sparked by fears of terrorism and acts committed by their fellow Muslims, the Taliban.

Segregation

Segregation happened in the United States. This was when the Black Americans were segregated. They were required to use specific schools, houses, and medical services, among other institutions and facilities, that were separate and of lesser quality than white Americans.

LGBTQ+ Oppression

The members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and other sexual orientations or gender expressions) community have made significant progress in their fight for equal rights in the United States. Non-heteronormative culture has started to change the way people view what was previously known as traditional values and gender expressions. 

However, there are still many individuals and institutions that discriminate based on gender or sexual orientation. In 2015, the United States has formally legalized same-sex marriage.

The Supreme Court struck down all same-sex marriage bans in response to the legalization. Despite this, many couples in different parts of the country still face discrimination. To end this practice, a bill known as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been introduced by legislators. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been through Congress many times. However, it is yet to pass.

Discrimination comes in all shapes and sizes. Your age can become a sub-topic in the issue of discrimination. This is called ageism.

Ageism is where, mostly, the elderly are being discriminated against. This type of discrimination creates negative stereotypes of the elderly being weak, feeble, and/or unable to change. The elderly being denied work or the elderly being seen as a burden to society are just two of many examples that still happen even up to the current generation.

Denied Work

People may not notice the severity of the issue but most of the elderly are forced into retirement. Some are even looked over for work. The workers that are over 60 years of age are being asked or even forces to retire from their career. Workers are unfortunately being looked over. 

Seen as a Burden

The older individuals might be seen as a burden, not just by their families, but also by society, in general.

For example, many neighborhoods tailor themselves to younger generations through playgrounds and new-age restaurants. The people of the old may be put into a nursing home or retirement community. This is when society sees them as being no longer useful or is a waste of time. However,  Senior Lifestyle has shown that children who grow up with an older individual can benefit tremendously.

Child Exploitation

In combating the issues relating to the children and their welfare, many social workers and human rights activists are working tirelessly. However, despite their efforts, problems about children being exploited are still on the rise.

There are many problems with the children facing something or doing something that is harmful to their health and mental well-being. To ensure a safe work environment for the children, laws are being placed around the globe.

Child labors still persist in some areas all over the world, so you must not ever think that child labor is a thing of the past. One example would be the scenario in India, children are still working in forced labor, producing carpets, clothing, footwear and yarn. The children. Their work hours are very long and their conditions are unhealthy and unsafe.

• Leaving a Child Behind

In order to help enable students with special needs, many laws have been passed. These children with special needs include those children with autism or ADHD. This wasn’t always the case, however.

Prior to laws like  No Child Left Behind and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), many children were simply neglected in their education or they were shuffled into special schools and asylums if they had learning disabilities. Legislators and concerned individuals are making progressive steps toward equality for exceptional students.

However, today, many still point out how labeling and stereotyping a child on the basis of their disability can have lasting, negative effects. Another sad fact is that many countries around the world lack any adaptive services or special education for exceptional children.

Poverty is a pressing issue for human rights and social injustice. Dive into social injustice issues created by poverty. Having little food or maybe living in a homeless shelter are probably the things you would think of with the word poverty is being mentioned. But that is not it. It is very sad to hear that many do not have access to food, healthcare, clean water, or even sanitation at all.

Almost half a million children die from lack of food, shelter or even just clean water each year. This according to The World Counts. More than two million children lack clean water, especially Native Americans. That is within the United States alone.

Inequality in Healthcare

Poverty and disease go hand in hand. Your access to quality food is possibly diminished. This only means that the poor go without basic care. Among the poorer communities around the globe,  finding access to healthcare is nearly non-existent. The  World Bank and WHO state that nearly half the world lacks essential health services access.

Solutions to eradicate Social Injustice

1. Educate yourself

Before you get involved in any movement or take actions, make sure you understand what the cause is, and what it’s trying to achieve. For example, if you’re interested in climate justice, check out for the key facts and information about existing campaigns and actions across the world. Or try to learn about the mission and beliefs of the Black Lives Matter movement on its official website.

You can get basic information online. It is also a good idea to read books to have in-depth analysis about such issues grappled with a particular social movement you are searching about. Find the books for racial justice so you will gain a deeper understanding and will be well-equipped with information.

2. Eradicate poverty

Approximately 11 percent of the world’s population, that is more than 800 million people are experiencing hunger. They are suffering from chronic hunger. Almost all of the concerns of social justice are intrinsically related to poverty and hunger. That goes from crippling debt to the oppression of women and the young ones and  to the wars and conflict in the world.

The poor have very limited access to education, health and medical services resulting in problems of hunger, malnutrition and diseases. This is due to discrimination and social injustice. An almost perfect proposition is needed to help end world hunger.

This would include engaging in policy debates that determine our future programs and most especially executing projects that engage with the number of agents of food security.

3. Promote gender equality

A lot of women with an average of one out of three worldwide have experienced either intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Women and girls, everywhere, must have equal rights and opportunity, and be ready to live free from violence and discrimination.

All of us can help empower the next generation of female leaders. This is for them to go further and reach new heights. We must highlight the stories of the most vulnerable women and take part in campaigns.

We could do as simple as raising awareness on social media or even donate to organizations that help women in need. Your voice matters.

4. Fight for employment rights

There were around 300 million workers in extreme poverty, living on less than US$2 per day, in 2017. Fair treatment of workers should be good business practice.

In any fair workplace, offering free access to unbiased and comprehensive information about workers’ rights is very essential. The equal sharing of wealth is strengthened through the equal opportunity for employment. This has been proven by studies. You can help by supporting trade unions. The trade unions that demand fair treatment from public and private employer. That, and you must continue to support employees and their families.

5. Support diversity in the workplace

It is no coincidence that 39% of people living in poverty in the UK live in a family where at least one person is disabled.

In exercising rights, no one may be discriminated against because of such basis as sex, race, religion, disability, or nationality. However, too sad for the world, especially in the developing world, human rights violations are still rampant. Diversity can improve productivity, so, be a source of innovation and facilitate better risk management. Also, one must enhance customer and business partner satisfaction, and open the door to or help maintain business opportunities.

6. Volunteer your time

A difference can be made by just donating a few hours of your precious time. You few hours of time may be very significant in the life of a child and thwart a systemic, root cause of injustice. However, before getting involved in any movement, you must make sure that you understand what the cause is and also what is it trying to achieve.

It is always a great idea to mingle with other like-minded people and build connections with them. Local activist groups and organizers keep open meetings and are excited to have a lot of new people involved.

There are countless ways you can volunteer to help others.

Of course, it depends on the cause or movement you are trying to get involved. Volunteer at a shelter if you are very concerned with homelessness. That is one example.

If you would like to fight education inequality, volunteer at an inner-city school program platform for young activists. If you don’t have any idea where you want to volunteer, there are a lot of online resources that can help you. Volunteering only costs you your time and also, it can significantly improve the life of someone affected by the injustice that your movement is fighting against.

7. Work on your habits.

Make sure you’re doing your best not to contribute to the problem at hand, before engaging others or protesting an institution. You must be an example. You ask others to help you combat racism and then you abuse white privilege or silence people of color, it won’t make sense at all.

You have to be sure you are making yourself an example for the others. Unlearn your bad habits and behaviors. That is the first thing you must do before encouraging others to be better.

8. Research the local presence.

Building connections with other like-minded people is always a great idea to do. Local activists often hold open meetings and they are excited to have new people involved. You have to become a part of a community. It will have others hold you accountable and will also help you learn new things.

There are a lot of great resources for finding meetings about activism, politics and social justice near you. If you know a specific organization you want to work with, start looking in your local area.

9. Take action in your community.

The founder of JustLeadershipUSA, Glenn E. Martin, believes that people who want to get involved in a social justice movement can do the most effective work in their own communities. The said organization puts the people with a criminal history are at the forefront of the mission. That is to end mass incarceration.

The founder suggests writing letters to your elected officials. He also suggests discussing the movement with colleagues as ways to start getting involved locally. Keeping topics like social justice as part of the public conversation is essential to creating change.

10. Use social media

The internet is probably the most powerful a person could use to promote social justice. It only takes a few minutes or even seconds to share your fight against social injustice.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are incredibly popular in social justice communities. You can join or even create a group. A group that is dedicated to discussing and organizing around a movement. That is on Facebook.

Now, on Twitter, you can find other people who tweet about the cause you’re interested in and eventually, start a discussion with them.

In practicing your activism, social media is always one of the best places to go. Posting articles, sharing videos and writing updates about your movement are all simple ways to reach a wide audience.

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Essay on Social Injustice

Students are often asked to write an essay on Social Injustice in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Social Injustice

What is social injustice.

Social injustice happens when people are treated unfairly because of reasons like their race, gender, or wealth. It’s like a game where the rules are not the same for everyone, making it harder for some to succeed.

Effects of Social Injustice

This unfairness can lead to people not having the same chances in life. For example, some might not get a good education or job opportunities just because of where they come from. It’s like being in a race where some start way behind the starting line.

Combating Social Injustice

To fight social injustice, it’s important to understand and speak up about these unfair situations. Everyone deserves a fair chance, and by working together, we can make the world more equal for all.

250 Words Essay on Social Injustice

Social injustice happens when people are treated unfairly because of their race, gender, age, or how much money they have. Imagine if your friend got a bigger piece of cake just because they have blue shoes and you don’t. It wouldn’t feel fair, right? That’s how social injustice works but on a much bigger scale.

Examples in Everyday Life

You might see social injustice at school if a student is bullied for being different. In the bigger world, some people might not get good jobs or houses because of where they come from or the color of their skin. It’s like being picked last in a game, not because you’re not good, but because people have made up their mind about you without knowing you.

Why It’s a Problem

Social injustice hurts everyone. It makes people who are treated unfairly feel sad and alone. It also stops them from living their best life. For example, if someone is not given a chance to go to a good school or get a good job, it’s a waste of their talents.

What Can We Do?

Everyone can help fight social injustice. It starts with treating everyone the same, no matter what they look like or where they come from. If you see someone being treated unfairly, stand up for them. Remember, making a big change starts with small steps.

By understanding social injustice and acting to stop it, we can all help make the world a fairer place for everyone.

500 Words Essay on Social Injustice

Social injustice is unfairness that exists in a society. It can be caused by many things, including prejudice, discrimination, and poverty. Social injustice can take many forms, including unequal opportunities, discrimination, and lack of access to resources.

Forms of Social Injustice

There are many forms of social injustice. These include:

Discrimination: This can be based on things like race, gender, religion, or disability. It can mean being denied opportunities that others have or being treated unfairly. Poverty: This is a lack of basic resources, such as food, water, and shelter. It can be caused by many things, including discrimination, lack of opportunity, and war. Inequality: This is when some people have more power, wealth, or resources than others. It can be caused by things like discrimination, poverty, and unequal access to education and healthcare.

Causes of Social Injustice

There are many causes of social injustice, including:

Prejudice: This is a negative opinion about a person or group of people that is not based on facts. It can lead to discrimination and other forms of social injustice. Stereotypes: These are oversimplified beliefs about a person or group of people. They can be harmful because they can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Institutionalized Racism: This is a system of laws, policies, and practices that gives advantages to one group of people over another. It can lead to discrimination and other forms of social injustice.

Social injustice can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities. It can lead to:

Poverty: This is a lack of basic resources, such as food, water, and shelter. It can be caused by many things, including discrimination, lack of opportunity, and war. Health Problems: Social injustice can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because people who are discriminated against often have less access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe housing. Mental Health Problems: Social injustice can also lead to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Crime: Social injustice can also lead to crime, as people who are discriminated against often have fewer opportunities to earn a living legally.

What Can Be Done About Social Injustice?

There are many things that can be done to address social injustice, including:

Education: This can help people to understand the causes and effects of social injustice and to challenge their own prejudices and stereotypes. Advocacy: This involves speaking out against social injustice and demanding change. It can be done through protests, petitions, and letters to elected officials. Policy Change: This involves changing laws and policies that are unfair or discriminatory. It can be done through legislation or through lawsuits. Community Organizing: It is a powerful way to address social injustice. By working together, people can build power and make change.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Social Inequality In The Philippines
• Essay on Social Inequality
• Essay on Social Impact Of Mobile Phones

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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8 Tips For Writing A Social Justice Essay

Social justice covers a variety of issues involving race, gender, age, sexual orientation, income equality and much more. How do you write an essay on a social justice issue that’s engaging, informative and memorable? Here are eight tips you should take to heart when writing:

When writing a social justice essay, you should brainstorm for ideas, sharpen your focus, identify your purpose, find a story, use a variety of sources, define your terms, provide specific evidence and acknowledge opposing views.

#1. Brainstorm creatively

Before you start writing your social justice essay, you need a topic. Don’t hesitate to look far and wide for inspiration. Read other social justice essays, look at recent news stories, watch movies and talk to people who are also interested in social justice. At this stage, don’t worry about the “trendiness” of your idea or whether a lot of people are already writing about it. Your topic will evolve in response to your research and the arguments you develop. At the brainstorming stage, you’re focused on generating as many ideas as possible, thinking outside the box and identifying what interests you the most. Take a free online course to get a better understanding of social justice.

You can take a creative brainstorming approach! A blog on Hubspot offers 15 creative ideas such as storyboarding, which involves laying out ideas in a narrative form with terms, images and other elements. You can also try freewriting, which is when you choose something you’re interested in. Next, write down everything you already know, what you need to know but don’t already, why the topic matters and anything else that comes to mind. Freewriting is a good exercise because it helps you decide if there’s any substance to a topic or if it’s clear there’s not enough material for a full essay.

#2. Sharpen your topic’s focus

The best essays narrow on a specific social justice topic and sharpen its focus, so it says something meaningful and interesting. This is often challenging, but wrestling with what exactly you want your essay to say is worth the effort. Why? An essay with a narrow, sharp focus has a clearer message. You’re also able to dig deeper into your topic and provide better analysis. If your topic is too broad, you’re forced to skim the surface, which produces a less interesting essay.

How do you sharpen your essay’s focus? Grace Fleming provides several tips on ThoughtCatalog . First, you can tell your topic is too broad if it can be summarized in just 1-2 words. As an example, “health inequity” is way too broad. Fleming suggests applying the questions, “Who, what, where, when, why and how,” to your topic to narrow it down. So, instead of just “health inequity,” you might end up with something like “The impact of health inequity in maternal healthcare systems on Indigenous women.” Your topic’s focus may shift or narrow even further depending on the research you find.

Writing a human rights topic research paper? Here are five of the most useful tips .

#3. Identify your purpose

As you unearth your topic and narrow its focus, it’s important to think about what you want your essay to accomplish. If you’re only thinking about your essay as an assignment, you’ll most likely end up with a product that’s unfocused or unclear. Vague sentiments like “Everyone is writing about social justice” and “Social justice is important” are also not going to produce an essay with a clear purpose. Why are you writing this essay? Are you wanting to raise awareness of a topic that’s been historically ignored? Or do you want to inspire people to take action and change something by giving them concrete how-to strategies? Identifying your purpose as soon as possible directs your research, your essay structure and how you style your writing.

If you’re not sure how to find your purpose, think about who you’re writing for. An essay written for a university class has a different audience than an essay written for a social justice organization’s social media page. If there are specific instructions for your essay (professors often have requirements they’re looking for), always follow them closely. Once you’ve identified your purpose, keep it at the front of your mind. You’ll produce an essay that’s clear, focused and effective.

#4. Find a human story

The best social justice essays don’t only provide compelling arguments and accurate statistics; they show your topic’s real-world impact. Harvard’s Kennedy School’s communications program describes this process as “finding a character.” It’s especially useful when you’re writing something persuasive. Whatever your topic, try to find the human stories behind the ideas and the data. How you do that depends on the nature of your essay. As an example, if you’re writing something more academic, focusing too much on the emotional side of a story may not be appropriate. However, if you’re writing an essay for an NGO’s fundraising campaign, focusing on a few people’s stories helps your reader connect to the topic more deeply.

How do you choose what stories to feature? Harvard suggests choosing someone you have access to either through your research or as an interview subject. If you get the opportunity to interview people, make sure you ask interesting questions that dig beneath the surface. Your subject has a unique perspective; you want to find the information and stories only they can provide.

#5. Rely on a variety of sources

Depending on your essay’s purpose and audience, there might be certain sources you’re required to use. In a piece for Inside Higher Ed, Stephanie Y. Evans describes how her students must use at least 10 source types in their final paper assignment. Most of the time, you’ll have a lot of freedom when it comes to research and choosing your sources. For best results, you want to use a wide variety. There are a few reasons why. The first is that a variety of sources gives you more material for your essay. You’ll access different perspectives you wouldn’t have found if you stuck to just a few books or papers. Reading more sources also helps you ensure your information is accurate; you’re fact-checking sources against one another. Expanding your research helps you address bias, as well. If you rely only on sources that reflect your existing views, your essay will be much less interesting.

While we’re talking about sources, let’s touch on citations. If you’re writing an essay for school, your teacher will most likely tell you what citation method they want you to use. There are several depending on the discipline. As an example, in the United States, social science disciplines like sociology and education tend to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Some places are very rigid about citation styles, while others are more relaxed. If you’re writing an essay where your citation won’t be checked, you still need to give credit to any ideas, thoughts, or research that’s not yours. Proper citation builds trust with your reader and boosts your credibility.

Here are more tips on writing a human rights essay!

#6. Define your key terms

To make your essay as clear and effective as possible, you want every reader on the same page right at the beginning. Defining your key terms is an important step. As Ian Johnston writes, creating an effective argument requires “the establishment of clear, precise, and effective definitions for key terms in the arguments.” You may have to adapt an existing definition or write your own. Johnston offers principles such as adjusting a definition based on the knowledge of who you’re writing for, focusing on what a term is and not just on its effects, and expanding a definition so it covers everything a reader needs to know.

How do you decide which terms are important in your essay? First, never assume a reader understands a term because it’s “obvious.” The most obvious terms are often the ones that need the clearest definitions. If your reader doesn’t know exactly what you’re talking about when you use a term like “health equity,” your essay won’t be as effective. In general, you want to define any terms relevant to your topic, terms that are used frequently and terms with distinct meanings in the context of your essay.

#7. Provide specific evidence and examples

Social justice issues are grounded in reality, so an essay should reflect that. Don’t spend your whole paper being philosophical or hypothetical. As an example, let’s say you’re writing an essay about desertification in Mali. Don’t discuss desertification as an abstract concept. Include real statistics and case studies on desertification in Mali, who it’s affecting the most and what is being done about it. For every argument you make, present supporting evidence and examples.

The strength of your evidence determines the strength of your arguments. How do you find strong evidence? Cite This For Me lists a handful of examples , such as studies, statistics, quotes from subject matter experts and/or reports, and case studies. Good evidence also needs to be accurate and in support of your argument. Depending on your essay topic, how current a piece of evidence is also matters. If you’re not relying on the most current evidence available, it can weaken your overall argument. Evidence should also be as specific as possible to your topic. Referring back to our desertification in Mali essay, that means locating examples of how desertification affects people in Mali , not in Chad or Russia.

Academic essay writing requires specific skills. Here’s an online introductory course on academic writing .

#8. Acknowledge your critics

Not every social justice essay requires an acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints, but addressing critics can strengthen your essay. How? It lets you confront your critics head-on and refute their arguments. It also shows you’ve researched your topic from every angle and you’re willing to be open-minded. Some people worry that introducing counterarguments will weaken the essay, but when you do the work to truly dissect your critic’s views and reaffirm your own, it makes your essay stronger.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a four-step strategy for refuting an argument. First, you need to identify the claim you’re responding to. This is often the trickiest part. Some writers misrepresent the claims of their critics to make them easier to refute, but that’s an intellectually dishonest method. Do your best to understand what exactly the opposing argument is claiming. Next, make your claim. You might need to provide specific evidence, which you may or may not have already included in your essay. Depending on the claim, your own thoughts may be a strong enough argument. Lastly, summarize what your claim implies about your critics, so your reader is left with a clear understanding of why your argument is the stronger one.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Addressing Racism and Social Injustice

• Posted June 16, 2020
• By Emily Boudreau

In a 2015 convening, the Harvard Graduate School of Education asked, “What strategies can educators use to promote justice, fairness, tolerance, and genuine communication in our schools and society?” The discussion came eight months after Michael Brown, an 18-year-old black male, was killed by a white police office in Ferguson, Missouri, sparking a campaign to confront racism and police violence. The conversation was moderated by Professor Paul Reville , director of the Education Redesign Lab , with panelists Tiffany Anderson, then the superintendent of the Jennings School District in Missouri; Tracey Benson , Ed.L.D.’16, now an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte; Ni’Cole Gipson, parent and social media activist; and Valeria Silva, former superintendent of St. Paul (Minnesota) Public Schools — all of whom offered insights on issues of race, inequality, and justice that resonate strongly today, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.

Here are a few highlights from that discussion.

How Tiffany Anderson amplified student voice to make a difference

The Jennings District is directly outside of Ferguson. In the days following the murder of Michael Brown, Anderson found a way to bring her students together and provided them with the resources they needed to advocate for themselves and their communities. Here, she talks about that experience.

Tracey Benson on why schools are uniquely positioned to effect change and start the conversation

Schools play a role in perpetuating systemic racism and inequality. Benson explains why schools also may have the power to disrupt that very system.  

Ni’Cole Gipson on why schools need to partner with families and communities to promote justice

Gipson and other parents worked to create safe and loving spaces for Ferguson’s students. Here, she talks about her experience as a parent and the ways in which schools might better support the conversations she, as a black woman in America, needs to have with her son.

Valeria Silva on the work school personnel and leadership must do to pave the way for discussion

Racism often goes unnoticed because it’s engrained in the system of schooling. Silva talks about the work teachers and school leaders must do to be consciously anti-racist and uproot discriminatory practices.

Additional Resources

• Harvard EdCast: Notes from Ferguson
• Exploring the historical roots of the enduring segregation that undermines urban schools.
• Harvard EdCast: Unconscious Bias in Schools

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Social Justice and Human Rights

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• Carl Wellman 4  

Part of the book series: Law and Philosophy Library ((LAPS,volume 29))

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In recent decades we have witnessed a multitude of increasingly urgent demands for social justice and for the protection of human rights. Politically, those struggling to promote social justice have worked hand in hand with human rights advocates. The social injustices of racial and sexual discrimination have been protested as violations of the fundamental human rights to equal opportunity and to the equal protection of the laws; a human right to an adequate standard of living has been proclaimed on the basis of the injustice of an affluent society in which the rich can enjoy luxuries while the poor lack the means to meet their basic human needs. Such political arguments suggest to the thoughtful observer that there is some close connection between social justice and human rights. At the same time, we have read, or tried to find the time to read, a deluge of books and articles dealing with the theory of justice and the theory of rights. What is remarkable about these two bodies of philosophical and jurisprudential literature is their virtual isolation from each other. In the index to A Theory of Justice , the monumental 587-page book by John Rawls, there are only three references to natural rights and none at all to human rights. The vast literature dealing with rights takes individual freedom or individual interests as central, depending upon whether the author is advancing a will theory or an interest theory of rights, but hardly mentions justice, whether individual or social. This is all the more surprising because philosophers and jurists typically assume that justice and rights are necessarily connected. The more I ponder the practical politics and moral theory of the past few decades, the more puzzling, and important, appears to me the problem I intend to address today: What is the relation between social justice and human rights?

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Wellman, C. (1997). Social Justice and Human Rights. In: An Approach to Rights. Law and Philosophy Library, vol 29. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8812-6_12

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22 Addressing Social Injustice In A Human Rights Context

• Published: September 2005
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This chapter describes what needs to be done to address social injustice in a human rights context. It covers core concepts, human rights as legal standards and obligations of government, human rights as a conceptual framework for analysis and advocacy, and human rights as guiding principles for designing and implementing policies and programs. The chapter concludes that human rights treaties and other agreements can provide important mechanisms to strengthen accountability of governments who are moving toward greater social justice in health. It further argues that health workers should be aware that human rights norms, standards, laws, and accountability mechanisms are highly relevant tools that can enhance efforts to achieve social justice in health, both globally and within countries.

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Who are the Mockingbirds in Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’?

This essay about “To Kill a Mockingbird” explores how the motif of the mockingbird symbolizes innocence, injustice, and redemption throughout the novel. It discusses characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who embody these themes against the backdrop of Maycomb’s racial prejudices. Through its analysis, the essay highlights the importance of empathy and moral integrity, as represented by Atticus Finch, while addressing the deep-rooted societal biases that impact the community.

How it works

In Harper Lee’s celebrated work, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the symbol of the mockingbird is deftly intertwined with the social fabric of Maycomb, accentuating themes of innocence, injustice, and redemption. As Scout Finch reflects on her childhood experiences, the characters she meets epitomize the poignant cry of the mockingbird, each embodying different aspects of human complexity.

Central to Maycomb’s narrative is Tom Robinson, who represents the pure innocence of the mockingbird. Falsely accused and unjustly condemned, Tom is a tragic figure ensnared by the town’s rampant racism.

His kind nature and honest spirit reflect the mockingbird’s innocence, tragically destroyed by societal prejudice.

Boo Radley, the town’s reclusive figure, also symbolizes the mockingbird’s essence, hidden away from the world’s cruelties. Surrounded by rumors and misunderstood by his community, Boo’s true innocence and kindness remain unrecognized, except through his secret benevolence toward Scout and Jem.

Through characters like Tom and Boo, Lee challenges readers to reflect on the vulnerability of innocence amidst prejudice and hatred. The mournful cry of the mockingbird acts as a powerful reminder of the overlooked humanity within society, pushing us to examine our biases and assumptions.

Atticus Finch stands as a symbol of hope and morality, his commitment to justice lighting a path through Maycomb’s darkness. His defense of Tom Robinson highlights his bravery in facing societal bigotry. Yet, even Atticus’s resolve is insufficient to overturn the deep-seated racism alone.

Tom’s heartbreaking end underscores the destructive nature of prejudice, prompting readers to reflect on the harsh realities within their own environments. Yet, there are glimmers of redemption, seen in figures like Atticus and Boo, who exemplify the transformative power of kindness and understanding.

In essence, the mockingbird remains a potent emblem in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” capturing the profound themes of innocence, justice, and redemption. Through the lives of Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, Harper Lee urges us to confront the intricacies of human nature and the critical need for empathy in overcoming adversity. The enduring echo of the mockingbird’s song in Maycomb acts as a poignant plea to protect and value innocence in a world often too eager to destroy it.

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Who are the Mockingbirds in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?. (2024, May 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/who-are-the-mockingbirds-in-harper-lees-to-kill-a-mockingbird/

"Who are the Mockingbirds in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?." PapersOwl.com , 1 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/who-are-the-mockingbirds-in-harper-lees-to-kill-a-mockingbird/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Who are the Mockingbirds in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'? . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/who-are-the-mockingbirds-in-harper-lees-to-kill-a-mockingbird/ [Accessed: 2 May. 2024]

"Who are the Mockingbirds in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?." PapersOwl.com, May 01, 2024. Accessed May 2, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/who-are-the-mockingbirds-in-harper-lees-to-kill-a-mockingbird/

"Who are the Mockingbirds in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?," PapersOwl.com , 01-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/who-are-the-mockingbirds-in-harper-lees-to-kill-a-mockingbird/. [Accessed: 2-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Who are the Mockingbirds in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'? . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/who-are-the-mockingbirds-in-harper-lees-to-kill-a-mockingbird/ [Accessed: 2-May-2024]

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