WHY SOCIAL JUSTICE MATTERS (1)

Book Details

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Author: Brian Barry

• Language: English

• Edition: 1

• ISBN: 9788131608302

• Pages: 336

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book

In What is Social Justice?, Brian Barry offers a compelling critique of the prevailing narratives surrounding social justice, particularly in the United States and Britain. Over the past two decades, social injustice has surged, irrespective of political leadership, while the notion of social justice has been distorted. Barry uncovers how the rhetoric of "personal responsibility" and "equal opportunity" has been manipulated to justify inaction on addressing the ever-widening gap between the wealthy and the vulnerable, while imposing stricter burdens on the poor.

Barry skillfully exposes the flawed logic behind these ideologies with clarity and humor, challenging the assumption that equality of opportunity can truly exist in a society rife with systemic inequality. He argues that to genuinely implement these concepts, a profound transformation of societal institutions is essential. A fair society, in his view, is only possible if wealth and income inequality are kept in check, ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, and personal autonomy.

Barry further proposes a series of pragmatic policies that would foster a more just society, and insists that such changes are not only economically feasible but also politically necessary. Despite the illusion of stability, he warns that radical shifts in our way of life are unavoidable. Whether these changes lead to a better or worse future hinges on our ability to mobilize discontent and formulate a coherent vision for social justice.

Contents Include:

• Part I: Social Justice: The Basics

  • Why We Need a Theory

  • The Machinery of Social Injustice

  • The Scope of Social Justice

• Part II: Equality of Opportunity

  • Why Equal Opportunity?

  • Education

  • Health

  • The Making of the Black Gulag

• Part III: What’s Wrong with Meritocracy?

  • The Idea of Meritocracy

  • The Abuse of Science

• Part IV: The Cult of Personal Responsibility

  • Responsibility versus Equality?

  • Rights and Responsibilities

  • Irresponsible Societies

• Part V: The Demands of Social Justice

  • Pathologies of Inequality

  • Wealth

  • Jobs and Incomes

  • Can We Afford Social Justice?

• Part VI: The Future of Social Justice

  • The Power of Ideas

  • How Change Happens

  • Meltdown?

  • Justice or Bust?

About the Author
Brian Barry is the Lieber Professor of Political Philosophy at Columbia University, renowned for his insightful contributions to the study of social justice and political theory.