In global politics, social justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights within and between societies. In the IB Global Politics course, social justice is used to analyse how power, inequality, and global structures affect people’s life chances. Unlike human rights, which focus on minimum standards, social justice is concerned with fairness, equality, and systemic outcomes.
A central element of social justice is equality of opportunity. This means individuals should have fair access to education, healthcare, employment, and political participation regardless of background. In global politics, inequality between states and within states means that opportunities are distributed unevenly. Social justice highlights how structural factors, not just individual choices, shape outcomes.
Social justice is also closely linked to economic inequality. Large gaps in wealth and income limit access to basic needs and political influence. In global politics, economic systems often benefit some groups while marginalising others. Social justice analysis questions whether global economic arrangements are fair and whether they perpetuate disadvantage across generations.
Another key aspect is access to essential resources. Clean water, food security, housing, and healthcare are not distributed equally worldwide. Social justice focuses on why these inequalities exist and who is responsible for addressing them. It challenges the idea that markets alone can produce fair outcomes, emphasising the role of policy and governance.
Social justice also involves recognition and inclusion. Marginalised groups—such as ethnic minorities, women, migrants, and indigenous peoples—often face systemic discrimination. Social justice requires not only redistribution of resources but also recognition of identity, voice, and dignity. This broadens political analysis beyond economics alone.
In global politics, social justice is deeply connected to power structures. Decisions made by states, institutions, and corporations shape who benefits and who is excluded. Social justice critiques these power structures and asks whether global governance systems are designed to promote fairness or maintain inequality.
For IB Global Politics students, social justice is a lens for evaluating development, globalization, and human rights. High-level answers explain what social justice means, why it matters, and how global systems can either promote or undermine fairness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is social justice in simple terms?
Social justice is about fairness and equality in society. It focuses on access to opportunities and resources. In global politics, it examines inequality between and within states. IB students should link it to fairness and structure.
How is social justice different from human rights?
Human rights set minimum standards of treatment. Social justice goes further by focusing on equality and outcomes. A society can respect rights but still be unjust. This distinction is important in IB analysis.
Why is social justice important in global politics?
Global inequality affects stability, development, and legitimacy. Social injustice can lead to conflict and unrest. Addressing fairness improves long-term outcomes. IB answers should link justice to global challenges.
Who is responsible for social justice globally?
Responsibility is shared among states, institutions, and global actors. No single actor controls outcomes. This makes social justice complex. IB responses should reflect shared responsibility.
How should this topic be answered in exams?
Students should define social justice clearly and apply it to inequality or development issues. Evaluating causes and consequences strengthens answers. Clear links to power improve marks.
