What is social justice? Implications for psychology.

Abstract

Given widespread interest and commitment among psychologists to promote social justice, this article takes up the question "What is social justice?" and critically examines the efforts of psychologists in its pursuit. Contemporary challenges to defining social justice are discussed as well as problems resulting from an absence of consensus regarding its meaning. It is argued that social justice only can be understood in light of its particular history. A brief historical overview of social justice is provided. This history supplies the grounds for a critical treatment of conceptions of social justice and psychological initiatives. Fraser's framework for social justice is presented as a theoretical guide for psychologists that can be defended in light of a "best account." Public Significance StatementThis article investigates what social justice means and how it pertains to psychology.

A Proposal for a General Psychology of Persons and Their Lives

“…It is time for psychology to embrace the complexities of personhood with the purposes of understanding what we are and how we have come this far while also envisioning the further purpose of contributing to human flourishing across our similarities and differences (see Fowers, 2015). Such an undertaking can speak directly to what psychology is about and to the scientific, professional, and socially progressive (e.g., Thrift & Sugarman, 2019) interests and activities of the discipline and its members. There will be many disagreements and contestations, but at least we might engage in the same broad project of understanding and recognizing ourselves and others as moral and rational agents with purpose and dignity, whatever our accomplishments and struggles.…”

Book Review of "Critical Inquiries for Social Justice in Mental Health: Relevance for Counseling and Psychotherapy in Canada "

“…Rather than take any social justice claim as bona fide virtuous, Josewski urges us to examine these theories' relevance and limitations to our work in mental health, so that our work does not arise from an "improvised conception" of social justice (Wildeman, 2012, as cited in Josewski, p. 66). Josewski is not alone in such a call for critical reflexivity in examining social justice (see Arfken & Yen, 2014;Thrift & Sugarman, 2019).…”

A Call for Social Justice in the American Counseling Association (ACA)

“…Social justice is one of the five core values of the counseling profession (ACA Code of Ethics; American Counseling Association, 2014), and is defined as actions taken by counselors to remedy social oppression and ensure that all persons have equitable access to resources and opportunities that have historically been reserved for those of privileged life status (Ratts, 2009;Sue & Sue, 2013;Thrift & Sugarman, 2019). Social justice counselors act within certain roles with clients holding oppressed identities, including client empowerment (Crethar & Winterowd, 2012;Martín-Baró, 1994), change agent (Lewis, 2011), consultant, and facilitator of indigenous healing systems that are congruent with the client's cultural beliefs / worldviews (Atkinson, Thompson, & Grant, 1993;Chávez, 2016 ).…”