Distributive justice is concerned with the equitable distribution of resources, such as healthcare, nourishment, income, education, and job opportunities. Its aim is to rectify disparities in wealth or resource allocation within a community by taking into account the overall quantity of goods available for distribution, the method of distribution, and the resulting pattern of distribution.
Various scholars have greatly influenced the debate on distributive justice by presenting different ideologies for achieving a fair distribution of resources. However, opposition from capitalistic societies often hinders the implementation of these ideologies. This paper aims to examine how benefits and burdens in economic activities are distributed equitably among different segments of the population. The Rawl Difference Principle is grounded on the belief that a country's wealth consistently expands, especially in industrialized societies. Rawl's theory of political liberal
...ism encompasses two Principles.
The principle of equal rights and political liberty ensures that every person has the right to receive fair value. Social and economic circumstances should meet two requirements: providing access to offices and positions for equal opportunities, and benefiting those who are most disadvantaged in society. Rawls' distributive principle advocates for inequality only if it benefits the least advantaged individuals, rather than advocating for absolute equality. The motivation behind the Difference Principle emphasizes equal respect for all individuals and aligns with the concept of strict equality.
Rawl suggests that in real-world scenarios where income does not affect individuals' motivation for work, the Difference Principle can be simplified to strict equality. According to him, if a distributive system maximizes the absolute position of society's least advantaged members, then strict equality can coexist with inequality as it
prevents further improvement in the absolute position of those who are already disadvantaged. Rawl contends that reducing inequality leads to political freedom by providing opportunities for even the least advantaged individuals to hold political positions and have their voices heard.
The Difference Principle has faced criticism from both libertarians and utilitarian theorists. Libertarians argue that the principle may require redistributive taxation, which they oppose as it involves immoral confiscation of property. Utilitarian theorists also oppose the principle, claiming that it fails to maximize overall utility.
In response, Rawl argues that the Difference Principle actually maximizes the welfare of the least advantaged individuals and leads to Pareto optimality. However, libertarians counter this argument by stating that justice can be achieved without a specific distribution pattern.
Justice is said to be achieved through the market due to just exchange. Nozick has put forward the libertarian theory known as 'Entitlement theory'. Nozick opposes distributive justice and argues that justice can be attained through fair contracts that exclude theft or fraud. Drawing inspiration from Locke, Nozick asserts that everyone should possess something in the world as they own their labor and themselves. Nozick suggests that for an equitable distribution of resources, individuals should only possess what is deemed just.
Nozick argues against distributive theory, stating that individuals own themselves and that the world is initially unowned. Therefore, each person should be entitled to a share of the world, as long as it does not harm others. After this initial distribution, a private market for labor and capital should determine property rights. However, libertarians do not offer a morally accepted method for individuals to acquire property. Instead,
they support a system where property rights are exclusive and government intervention through taxation is kept to a minimum.
Taxation should solely aim to safeguard private property. Libertarians emphasize the importance of maximizing freedom and minimizing violence by upholding exclusive property rights. Studies conducted in nations with more stringent property regulations have demonstrated that this approach results in greater wealth for the affluent but leaves the poor impoverished. According to Nozick's entitlement theory, any distribution of resources is fair as long as it has a strong historical foundation and was obtained through proper acquisition, transfer, or rectification procedures. Conversely, Rawls' theory places emphasis on the final outcome.
The Utilitarian distribution Principle has been criticized for its difference from the Difference Principle. The Difference Principle is based on the argument that maximizing the welfare of the least advantaged individuals deprives others of utility. According to Utilitarians, utility is defined as either pleasure or preference satisfaction. Distributive justice in Utilitarianism is achieved by maximizing preference-satisfaction. However, the Utilitarian Principle has faced criticism regarding preference satisfaction. Some argue that it could result in a minority racial group being denied access to more material benefits, leading to inequality in resource distribution and unfairness.
The explanation of how Utilitarianisms discourage racist preferences is not clear. However, Utilitarianisms argue that women or racial minorities rarely need to sacrifice or suffer for the benefit of others based on empirical evidence. The Utilitarian distribution Principle faces challenges with specification and implementation because it requires comparing the utility of individuals, which is seldom practical. The Difference Principle, criticized by Rawl for promoting capitalism, provides good principles for achieving distributive justice.
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To achieve distributive justice, there must be a fair distribution of job opportunities, income, wealth, food, health facilities, political liberty, and knowledge. Rawl provides a clear description of how this fairness can be achieved. In many countries, there is a significant gap between the rich and the poor. This inequality leads to conflict as wealthy individuals with political power and control over resources enforce policies that harm the poor and keep them trapped in poverty.
The Rawl's Difference Principle emphasizes the importance of equal opportunities for achieving distributive justice. This principle requires providing equal chances to the least advantaged individuals in society to attain top positions and offices. By enhancing the welfare of these individuals, it reduces the wealth gap between rich and poor, ultimately leading to equality. Moreover, improving the welfare of marginalized groups such as women or racial minorities contributes to political liberty by creating equal opportunities for their representation in parliament or influence on policy-making.
Political freedom will lead to improved representation of marginalized individuals in government and policy making, resulting in higher per capita income and ultimately contributing to increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Fair distribution of resources is crucial for fostering economic justice and stimulating economic growth. Economic justice involves the equitable allocation of various economic resources, including infrastructure, income, land, capital, labor, and entrepreneurship.
Economic justice is not only determined by income distribution but also influenced by social principles that impact democracy. The exchange of goods helps create wealth. The difference principle suggests implementing progressive taxation to improve the well-being of the least advantaged individuals, like the poor. However, there are opponents who argue that taxing
what is rightfully owned is unjust. In response, Rawls asserts that providing political participation opportunities to the poor can enhance their lives.
Rawls argues that adhering to the libertarian Principle will result in disputes over resource distribution. In contrast, Nozick rejects the idea of distributive justice and affirms that individuals are autonomous, regardless of their interdependence at work. According to Nozick, people have a right to property based on their ability to acquire it. This ultimately leads to conflict as everyone wants resources, leading to wealthier individuals acquiring more. Affirmative action refers to policies that support non-dominant groups in social-political endeavors.
The policies aim to improve employment opportunities, education, and political participation for marginalized individuals who experience discrimination due to their race, gender, ethnicity, or disability status. Economic justice focuses on implementing affirmative action in the form of the Difference Principle. The goal is to enhance the well-being of the least privileged groups by providing equal opportunities for political engagement. For example, specific policies ensure women have an equal chance to participate in politics. Once elected into parliament, these women can advocate for their ideas and demands during policy-making.
Ensuring proper representation of minority groups, including women, is an essential aspect of promoting economic justice. This can be achieved through the implementation of policies that guarantee equal distribution of income and equal employment opportunities. The Rawl Principle emphasizes the importance of a fair distribution of primary goods such as opportunities, liberties, rights, wealth, and self-respect in establishing a just society. According to Rawl's perspective, it is crucial for a just society to identify and compensate individuals who have experienced injustice due to
potential violations in social contracts. Affirmative action serves as a public policy aiming to provide compensation for these victims. Rawl presents two principles to address issues related to injustice.
The text underscores the significance of identifying victims and guaranteeing personal freedom for all members of society. Rawl contends that affirmative action plays a crucial role in assisting individuals who have been deprived of their rights due to a lack of basic necessities. The objective of affirmative action in allocation is to ensure fairness and aid those most disadvantaged by past injustices, enabling them to effectively utilize their resources during periods of change. Furthermore, affirmative action promotes equal political opportunities, particularly for women who have been subjected to injustices. Additionally, there is a necessity to strengthen affirmative action in college admissions and implement "hiring quotas."
Society dominated by men has objected to this, but with more women in influential positions, it has been improved. Rawl argues for equal employment opportunities to be extended to the most disadvantaged members of society. This can only be accomplished through political liberty. Affirmative action also promotes equal employment opportunities for minority groups. When these groups have access to equal employment, income distribution becomes more fair and over time, wealth distribution becomes more fair as well. By increasing employment, the country's output and economic growth are achieved.
In capitalistic societies driven by utilitarianism, equal employment opportunity is often opposed due to the unfair violation of minority rights through unequal wages. However, achieving economic justice through fair distribution of employment opportunities can promote harmony and reduce conflict caused by wealth disparity between the rich and poor. It would also
lead to improved living standards and increased economic growth.
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