Social justice - the basis of public accord in modern society

Abstract

Since the beginning of socio-economic transformations (1991), the state system has changed, but the concept of the essence of social justice established in the years of socialism has been preserved. This circumstance is crucial for mutual understanding and consent in our society. All subsequent events, including voting on constitutional amendments (2020), serve as convincing evidence in favor of the statement made. These amendments are a specific invention that opens up the possibility for the government to relieve the constantly increasing tension for some time. The fact is that after the departure of tsarism from the historical scene (based on the idea of divine origin of its power), the Constitution represents Russia as a state governed by the rule of law and actually fulfills the function of a social contract. Therefore, according to the established tradition, a change of power always entails constitutional transformations. At the same time, everyone understands that there is a gap between the well-written constitutional norms and the reality of life in the country, which allows the government to administer the affairs at their discretion. Still, the possibilities of maneuvering are far from unlimited. Both the constitutional amendments and the actions of the authorities during the period of self-isolation show a reverse movement towards socialist distribution relations. This is an inevitable payment for the use of market mechanisms in the society, for which, even many years after the start of reforms, distribution relations serve as the main criterion of social justice. By initiating such amendments, the authorities show their concern and desire at least for an ostentatious restoration of social justice, thus increasing trust, harmony, and cohesion in the society.