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Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political/social rights and opportunities. Social justice motions often involve various social movements that advocate for equity and equality.
For example: BLM, feminism, environmentalism, civil rights, veganism, and so much more.
Characterising Social Movements
Characterising Social Movements
Definition: A type of group action; Large informal groupings of individuals or organisations that focus on specific political or social issues,
A formal organisation...
A formal organisation...
Plans protests and events
Lobbies the government
Represents movement in negotiations and the media
Acts as a form of self-government
Operates social and community values
Provides necessities like shelters, etc.
Offers professional support (i.e. legal counsel, career assistance)
Specialises in some other function (i.e. reproductive access, freedom schools)
The informal side...
The informal side...
Spreads awareness on social media
Influences the public and politicians
Shapes ideology and identity
Adds nuance to the intersections with other communities
Provides comfort at an individual level
Creates community and safe spaces
Arranges mutual aid networks
Creates art and literature to celebrate and grieve
Common Properties of Movements
Common Properties of Movements
Decentralisation
Decentralisation
Lack of clear central authority
Both cause and effect of increased participation in the movement (depending on who's in charge under what perspective)
Many social movements do not act or think as one body (decentralised goals and organisation)
i.e. A minority social movement that supports affirmative action vs. one that does not
Ex. Feminism
Broad but shallow engagement
Broad but shallow engagement
Social media allows, and even demands, constant actions
Pros: Much higher support, personal sense of responsibility, media pressure
Cons: Slacktivism, performativity, speaking over others, weak commitment
To appeal to more people, messages have to meet those with no prior understanding
Pros: Accessible, entry point to further learning, media pressure
Cons: Slacktivism, hollow messaging, moderating of goals, comfort > disruption
Tokenism instead of change
Tokenism instead of change
Tokenism: the practice of making only symbolic rather than structural change
Satisfies people with shallow engagement
Representation is insufficient
Active harm: hides or deflects abuses
Pulled towards respectability
Pulled towards respectability
Respectability politics: Having to present yourself and your values in terms that are acceptable or reasonable to society
Pros: decreases backlash
Cons: unrealistic standards, identity stereotypes
Greater need for intersectionality
Greater need for intersectionality
The idea that people face certain privileges or barriers based on the intersection of various identities
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