Promotion Of Social Justice Research Articles

Drivers of the food system based on food sovereignty domains: an integrative systematic literature review

Food sovereignty, as defined by the comprehensive definition offered in the 2007 Nyéléni Forum, encompasses essential action lines for transforming a food system based on food sovereignty principles. Understanding how current food system initiatives align with these principles is essential for identifying the necessary processes of change to drive this transformation. This study aimed to consolidate the contributions of advancements in food sovereignty to the existing literature. A systematic literature review was conducted to achieve this, analyzing 250 papers published between 2008 and 2023. The focus was on the research methods employed by the authors, food initiatives within the domains of food sovereignty, and the key drivers of a food system rooted in food sovereignty principles. The findings revealed that approximately 36% of the studies utilized interviews, surveys, and questionnaires for data collection, while 34% concentrated on targeted fieldwork through case studies. Around 19% of the studies involved in-depth interaction with specific groups, and just under 10% employed document analysis methods. The most extensively discussed domain was the use of agroecological management practices for food production, followed by the valuation of traditional knowledge, the promotion of social justice and equity, self-determination through the transformation of economic and political institutions, and the localization of food production and consumption. The food initiatives outlined overarching goals within each domain of food sovereignty, with three common goals identified across these domains: food security and consumption, environmental stewardship, and crisis preparedness. Furthermore, 29 drivers of a food system based on the domains of food sovereignty were identified, encompassing networks and a holistic approach present in all 5 domains. The study also highlights the implications for supporters of food sovereignty within the context of the identified goals of the food initiatives.

Analysis of the Theory of Al-Maqāṣid asy-Syarī'ah in Sustainable Economic Development

Sustainable economic development has emerged as a critical challenge in our increasingly globalised world, where environmental degradation and social inequities pose significant threats to future prosperity. The urgency of this issue is underscored by recent reports indicating that over 1 billion people still live in extreme poverty, while climate change continues to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. In this context, the theory of Al-Maqāṣid asy-Syarī'ah provides a relevant framework for addressing these multifaceted challenges, as it focuses on the preservation of human welfare and the promotion of social justice. Central to this theory are the principles of maslahah, which advocate for actions that yield the greatest benefit for society, thereby aligning economic activities with ethical and moral values. This article seeks to analyse the application of Al-Maqāṣid asy-Syarī'ah in the realm of sustainable economic development, underscoring its potential to foster holistic community welfare. Employing a qualitative methodology, this study will delve into pertinent literature, elucidate the research methods employed, and present the findings that emerge from the analysis. It is anticipated that the insights gleaned from this research will illuminate the significance of integrating Islamic principles into sustainable economic practices, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and environmentally sound future. By recognising the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors, we can pave the way for a development model that is not only sustainable but also just and inclusive.

"My Health, My Right:" There Is More to It than Meets the Eye.

The WHO's World Health Day 2024 slogan, "My health, my right," has been unpacked through the lens of an evolving social epidemiological understanding. The operative part of the theme merely reiterates international positions that have been established for a long and is unable to adequately incorporate advances in the understanding of the central role that structural determinants play in the production of ill-health. Given the urgency of addressing Sustainable Development Goal and Universal Health Coverage goals, the reduction of health inequities through the promotion of social justice is as much a governance imperative as moral.

DISABILITY GRANTEE DEBATE OVER MISGUIDED DISBURSEMENT PRACTICES IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY’S SELECTED PROVINCES

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate and address the challenges faced by disability grantees in South Africa, particularly focusing on the disbursement of disability grants by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Through qualitative analysis and theoretical frameworks grounded in transformative paradigms, the study aims to understand grantee experiences and perceptions across different provinces. By identifying key issues such as inadequate grant amounts, poor living conditions, and bureaucratic hurdles, the study seeks to provide insights that can inform policy improvements and institutional reforms within SASSA. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of disability grant disbursement, alleviate poverty, promote economic transformation, empower individuals, and foster sustainable communities in South Africa.
 
 Theoretical framework: This study uses the Theory of Change and Critical Theory to analyze the disability grant disbursement system. Theory of Change (ToC) helps identify change drivers and interventions, while Critical Theory (CT) examines power dynamics and systemic barriers. This comprehensive analysis aims to foster positive change at individual and systemic levels.
 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses a qualitative research approach, grounded in transformative paradigms, to explore the challenges and opportunities related to disability grant disbursement in South Africa. Participants were selected from three provinces, and data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed, and ethical considerations were taken to ensure participant well-being.
 
 Findings: The study reveals the challenges faced by disability grantees in South Africa, including inadequate grant amounts, poor living conditions, lack of support services, system disintegration, financial exploitation, abuse and family dynamics, and bureaucratic processes. These issues highlight the need for policy reforms and institutional interventions to promote social inclusion and economic empowerment, highlighting the systemic issues and injustices inherent in the disability grant disbursement system.
 
 Research, Practical & Social Implications: This study provides insights into disability grant disbursement systems in South Africa, offering theoretical advances and methodological insights. It informs policy recommendations for improving the system, guiding organizational interventions and capacity-building initiatives. The findings also promote social welfare, empowerment of vulnerable populations, and the promotion of social justice, highlighting the importance of addressing these challenges.
 Originality/Value: This study provides a unique perspective on disability grantees in South Africa, integrating Theory of Change and Critical Theory. It conducts a comparative analysis across three provinces, identifying common challenges and contextual factors. The study offers practical implications for policy reform and contributes to the scholarly literature on disability grant disbursement systems.

Balancing Urban Development: Literature on the Nexus Between Affordable Housing and Urban Sprawl

The complex relationship between affordable housing and urban sprawl has major implications for cities all over the world. While urban sprawl offers lower housing costs and increased space as benefits, it also does present serious environmental, social, and economic issues. Undoubtedly, the rising cost of housing in the urban centers has forced the no income and the low-income populations to the periphery and thus increasing economic inequality and displacement. The growing urban sprawl has given rise to environmental degradation, social isolation, and economic inefficiency, which is further intensifying the displacement of low-income individuals and their families. This again is the remote cause of overcrowding as it restrains upward economic mobility. The aim of this research is to examine the complex relationship that exists between affordable housing and urban sprawl, and to propose ways to balance these dynamics. Key objectives include analyzing the adverse impacts of urban sprawl on the environment, societal fabric, and economic productivity; investigating the driving forces behind rising housing costs and their repercussions on low-income households; evaluating existing policies and strategies addressing affordable housing and urban sprawl; and proposing innovative solutions for sustainable urban development with equitable access to affordable housing. With the use of a literature review methodology, this study offers a comprehensive strategy. Stronger land use planning and zoning, improved public transportation and active transportation infrastructure, the expansion, building and preservation of more affordable housing, the promotion of social justice and community involvement and the use of technology and data-driven approaches are policy recommendations. The adoption of micro-units and tiny homes, co-housing and shared living arrangements, adaptive reuse and mixed-use development, community land trusts and housing cooperatives are some of the innovative recommendations. By striking a balance between affordable housing and sustainable urban development, these strategies hope to foster inclusive and thriving cities. Keywords: Urban sprawl, Affordable housing, Sustainable urban development, Low-Income Households, Land-Use Policy, Compact city planning, Community engagement

ASEAN competence in the field of human rights

The article is devoted to consideration of the competence of ASEAN in the field of human rights. Human rights are universal values agreed by the countries of the world. The main pillars of the international system of promotion and protection of human rights are regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights. The most prominent subregional organization in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of recent human rights developments is ASEAN. ASEAN is an international intergovernmental subregional organization of countries located in Southeast Asia. The ASEAN Charter enshrined human rights as a fundamental principle of ASEAN and created a mechanism to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of ASEAN citizens. Respect for fundamental freedoms, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the promotion of social justice are among the general principles binding on member states. To ensure the implementation of the provisions of the Charter in the aspect of human rights protection, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights was established, which later adopted the ASEAN Declaration of Human Rights. But despite quite significant progress in the aspect of legal support of ASEAN's competence in the field of human rights, practical problems still exist today. In particular, one of the problematic issues that still exists within the Association is the provision of human rights in the region. After all, guided by the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states, ASEAN does not pay attention to events related to the violation of human rights in the territories of its member states. In addition, ASEAN does not have judicial bodies to consider cases of human rights violations by member countries, as European countries do. The ASEAN Commission itself does not have the authority to make binding decisions, consider cases or conduct investigative visits. The absence of such functions and the absence of mandatory requirements regarding the independence and experience of AICHR members lead to debate. At the same time, the provision concerning the scope of powers to make decisions only by consensus is subject to the most criticism. After all, every state can reject any criticism of its human rights by way of veto.

Leadership Practices to Mitigate Violence and Promote Social Justice in South African Schools

Due to the repeal of apartheid laws (Bantu Education Act of 1953 and the Education and Training Act of 1979) that segregate learners on the basis of their skin colour, the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 was enacted to place all learners on an equal footing. The latter gave learners freedom of speech, equality and human dignity. However, the introduction of this system presented new difficulties in the instructional domain. One of these issues is school violence between learners and educators, which has led some authors to question whether the idea of in loco parentis is still applicable in educational settings. School violence not only brought headaches for teachers, but also for principals in the leadership and management domain. Principals are rendered incapable of instilling discipline in schools due to school violence. For education to flourish, respect for one another is paramount, but is often lacking when violence is present. This conceptual article seeks to present leadership practices to provide social justice in schools which have been negatively affected by violence.

In-depth Review: Legal review on human rights enforcement in the ASEAN and EU context

ASEAN is one of the regional organizations without an inter-governmental regional human rights machinery. In addition, ASEAN must respond to the new phenomenon that human rights are no longer merely a problem within a country, but have become a problem between countries. On this basis the author carries out a legal comparison, because one of the points stated in the objectives in The ASEAN Charter, namely: respecting fundamental freedoms, promotion and protection of human rights, and promotion of social justice, as well as the establishment of an ASEAN human rights body, as a step to guarantee more concrete human rights certainty in ASEAN. The method used in this research is legal research with a common-core method approach which in general is the application of the functional method which is expanded by using the law in context method. The aim of this research is to unify the mechanisms for law enforcement and protection of human rights in ASEAN which are related to the authority of regional human rights institutions in deciding cases of violations of human rights so that they are in accordance with the objectives contained in the ASEAN Charter.

Spirituality and Narrative Identity: Three Case Studies

Since the narrative turn in the social sciences from the 1980s onward, there has been an increasing interest in the concept of narrative identity. The concept of narrative identity, however, is open to multiple interpretations. Here, we take a narrative hermeneutic approach and apply one particular model of narrative identity—to three case studies, exploring how each of these was shaped by the storyworlds of the participants. The case studies have been selected as examples of different forms of identity: received, bricolage, and guided. Following this exploration, we reflect on the potential of this approach in other areas of identity work and the implications for narrative understanding in the promotion of social justice.

Ethics of Digital Health in Islamic Perspective

Promoting digital health has the potential to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and improve the overall health of the populations. However, it raises ethical concerns such as the breach of personal privacy, risk of misdiagnosis to a larger group of population and potential bias to certain population. Technology should be used in a way to that promotes the well-being of patients and not to be used to exploit or manipulate people. Respect for individual dignity and autonomy, the promotion of social justice, ensuring patient safety and the appropriate use of technology are all ethical values that apply to digital health ethics from an Islamic perspective. These guidelines can direct the creation and application of digital health technologies in a morally righteous manner that enhances the welfare of people and communities.

Religious Orientation and Motivations in a Sample of Italian Catholic Volunteers

The aim of the research was to study motivations to volunteer, and their relationship with religious orientation in a sample of volunteers working in a Catholic organization. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 190 volunteers working in a Catholic organization based in a large city in northern Italy and devoted to ending poverty and situations of marginalization through the promotion of social justice. Of these, 160 (90 females, 70 males) agreed to participate. The main result was that all motivations, except Career, increased with the intrinsic religious orientation. The Social and Career functions increased with the extrinsic-social religious orientation. The Protective and Enhancement functions increased with all religious orientations. The result concerning gender differences showed that the creation of a social network through volunteering and the opportunities to create and maintain a positive relationship with others are more important to women than men. Managers could benefit from these findings to improve the recruitment and retaining of volunteers and to think strategically about the mission and the cultural/religious belief of the organization. The impact of two and a half years of Covid-19 policies, however, remains unclear.

Особливості економічної інклюзії у воєнний період

In the presented publications the main aspects of economic inclusion and the current state of the economy of Ukraine are considered. The components of economic inclusion are defined, namely: 1) responding to economic challenges. The wartime period is accompanied by dramatic changes in the economic sphere, such as the destruction of infrastructure, job losses, interruption of economic ties and other challenges. Economic inclusion in this context lies in the development and implementation of strategies for economic recovery, creating new jobs and ensuring sustainable economic growth. 2) Taking into account the needs of vulnerable groups. Military conflicts can affect different groups of the population unevenly. Economic inclusion requires special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons, military veterans, women and children. Economic inclusion should promote their integration in economic processes, ensuring social protection and equal opportunities. 3) Provision of social stability. Economic inclusion during wartime is also aimed at ensuring social stability. This means creating conditions to reduce inequality, ensure access to resources and services, prevent conflicts and promote a peaceful revival of society. 4) Expanding access to financial resources. During wartime, access to financial services may be limited. Economic inclusion involves promoting increased access to financial resources, allowing for the development of microfinance institutions, creating favorable conditions for lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, expanding access to banking services and financial education. Such peculiarities form the current state of the economic system from the side of its inclusiveness. It should also be noted that the wartime period may require restructuring of the economy in order to restore and maintain sustainable development. Economic inclusion contributes to the creation of favorable conditions for economic restructuring, development of new sectors, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, attractiveness of investments and attraction of external resources. Taking into account the peculiarities of the wartime period, economic inclusion is becoming an important instrument for restoring and building sustainable development. The path to success lies in a harmonious combination of economic measures with the promotion of social justice, the protection of human rights, and the active cooperation of all interested parties.

HOW MUCH DOES NEGATIVE LIBERTY NEED POSITIVE LIBERTY IN ECONOMIC ISSUES?

In attempting to rectify the inequalities ensuing from the flaws of negative liberty, proponents of social justice turn to economic policies based on positive liberty. Unaware of the value provided by each of these notions of liberty, they neglect the tyrannical potential of positive liberty which results from its instrumental value. Promoting government intervention in the market and redistribution of resources as a means by which inequalities are to be redressed, allows for the concentration of power in one place, which renders individual freedom ineffective. This paper suggests that the promotion of social justice through positive liberation is damaging to individual freedom due to the government’s monopoly on regulating the social structure. Keywords: social justice; negative liberty; positive liberty; equality; paternalism; economic freedom

Social empathy: how social work educators perceive and intend to engage in social justice

ABSTRACT Social work education is designed and devoted to the dissemination, cultivation, and promotion of social justice. Based on the social empathy model that promotes social justice and utilizing primary survey data collected online from a sample of 199 social work educators in the U.S. this study explored the associations between social empathy and attitudes toward social justice (ATSJ) and intentions to engage in social justice (IESJ). The dependent variables ATSJ and IESJ were based on two subscales from the Social Justice Scale, and the independent variable social empathy was based on the Interpersonal and Social Empathy Index. Findings suggest that social work educators with higher level of social empathy have more positive attitudes toward social justice and higher level of intentions to engage in social justice. The study concludes that social empathy is significantly associated with attitudes toward social justice and intentions to engage in social justice and supports the social empathy model that promotes social justice. This study sheds light upon future research on the construct of social justice and calls for more initiatives promoting social justice in social work education, such as curricula reforms and faculty development programs based on the social empathy framework.

The Discursive Construction of the Thousand Women Program in Brazil

This article analyzes the assumptions and logic of the Programa Mulheres Mil (Thousand Women Program) in Brazil, observing the formation of the network of actors involved and the programs’ instruments. The study used qualitative research, guided by critical discourse analysis. The results help to understand that the logic of the problem – connecting poverty to a lack of education and unfair training opportunities – contributed to justifying and legitimizing the policy instrument. The program’s unexpected effects are closely related to the social construction of women. Based on the methodology, its rules are mechanisms supporting and maintaining the inequalities and asymmetrical power relations observed within the program. Therefore, although the program has a relevant role for social inclusion, it presents significant limitations regarding gender equity and the promotion of social justice, which requires a serious political debate on the initiative’s effects, challenges, and opportunities. The PMM is a compensatory policy designed to develop and disseminate an instrument with assumptions and logic that operate more as a self-legitimation strategy than an integrated solution to public services. We suggest following the beneficiaries’ life project and adopting a structure separated into modules as strategies to overcome the challenges observed in this research. A structure based on modules would meet the needs of women who desire educational inclusion, offering the possibility of education leveling so those who want can continue schooling.

The power of numbers: how majority/minority status affects media coverage and framing of Indigenous contentious politics in Canada

ABSTRACT News media perform an important role in shaping how Canadian society views Indigenous peoples and issues. They are rarely passive, neutral bystanders, as media routinely employ a particular set of frames (e.g., criminality, economic burden, threats to unity, promotion of social justice) when covering Indigenous stories. We explore how the use of such frames is influenced by dynamics of power as they relate to majority/minority linguistic differences. Through a controlled comparison, we examine the 2008–2019 media coverage of Indigenous responses to Ontario’s Far North Act and Québec’s Plan Nord – both of which concerned resource development on or near Indigenous territory. We find that where media serve the linguistic majority, they are much more likely to frame Indigenous responses to development plans as a threat to national unity. In contrast, where media serve the linguistic minority, they are significantly more likely to frame Indigenous responses in terms of social justice. Our findings suggest that traditional understandings of the differences between mainstream and ethnic or minority media fail to capture the complex dynamics at work in multilingual states. The paper addresses this gap in the literature and provides a broader understanding of how media and power dynamics shape the representation of Indigenous contentious politics.

Positive Youth Development in 2020: Theory, Research, Programs, and the Promotion of Social Justice.

We use Hamilton's (1999) tripartite conception of the positive youth development (PYD) literature - that is, PYD as a theoretical construct, PYD as a frame for program design, and PYD as an instance of specific youth development programs - as a framework for reviewing scholarship involved in the PYD field across the second decade of the 21st century. Advances were made in all three domains and, as well, new issues emerged; chief among them was a focus on the promotion of social justice. We discuss ways in which social justice issues are being addressed within each of these domains and we present a vision for enhancing the PYD-social justice relation in future scholarship involving theory, research, program design, and community-based PYD programs.

Liturgy, Word, and Charity in Thomas Aquinas

Liturgy, Word, and Charity in Thomas Aquinas Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL, in calling for the restoration of the diaconate as an order permanently exercised, stated that deacons are “at the service of the people of God in the ministry of the liturgy, the word, and charity.”1 This threefold articulation of diaconal ministry— which seemingly reflects the threefold munera of Christ as priest, prophet, and king—has attained a kind of canonical status in defining diaconal ministry.2 A proper exercise of the office of deacon ought to include liturgical ministry (both serving at the Eucharist as well as presiding at the Liturgy of the Hours, baptisms, weddings, and other rites), proclamation of God’s word (whether in preaching or catechetical ministry), and service to those in need (which would include both direct assistance and the promotion of social justice). Discussion and debate concerning the order of deacons often takes the form of what the proper balance ought to be among these three, and [End Page 555] whether one of them, usually the ministry of charity, ought to have priority over the others. In this essay I will seek insight from Thomas Aquinas, not by looking at what Thomas has to say about the ministry of deacons per se, but rather by looking at what light his theology can shed on the threefold ministry of liturgy, word, and charity in which deacons share. Discussions of the interrelation of liturgy, word, and charity need a theologically thick account of each of them that will allow the connections among them to emerge, and Thomas, even apart from any ex professo treatment of the diaconate, offers us such an account. I. Liturgy Perhaps because most Catholics encounter deacons in the context of the Sunday liturgy, the liturgical ministry of the deacon has a particular prominence in popular awareness. It is also the aspect of ministry that features most prominently in Lumen Gentium’s discussion of a restored diaconate: To the extent that he has been authorized by competent authority, he is to administer baptism solemnly [i.e. not simply in an emergency situation], to reserve and distribute the eucharist, to assist and bless marriages in the name of the church, to take viaticum to the dying, to read sacred scriptures to the faithful, to instruct and exhort the people, to preside at the worship and prayer of the faithful, to administer sacramentals, and to preside at funeral services and burials.3 There follows the briefest mention of “duties of charity and administration,” but the emphasis of the constitution on the Church seems to fall overwhelmingly on the deacon’s liturgical and sacramental actions. Liturgical ministry is also, however, a source of significant anxiety about the identity of the deacon and the nature of diaconal ministry, since one of the most common criticisms one finds of the restored diaconate is that many deacons are simply [End Page 556] “glorified altar servers” who are too much occupied with ornamenting the sanctuary and too little occupied with serving the poor and the outcast. And while doing the baptisms and weddings that the pastor would rather not do might be seen as somewhat more useful than cluttering up the sanctuary during Mass, even here deacons come in for criticism for aspiring to be “mini-priests” rather than proper deacons—by which is meant spending time in soup kitchens and homeless shelters. This criticism is found even at the highest level of the Church. In his address to participants in the plenary meeting of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life in November 2019, in the course of denouncing the “clericalization of the laity,” Pope Francis remarked: I also see this phenomenon in deacons: they become permanent deacons and instead of being the custodians of service in the diocese, they immediately look at the altar and end up being “wannabe priests [preti mancati],” demipriests [preti a metà strada]. I advise the bishops: “Keep deacons away from the altar,” let them go to service. They are the custodians of service, not first-class altar boys or second-class priests.4 When even the Universal Pontiff sees the liturgical ministry of deacons as...

Social Work in the Shadow of Death

In its current form, the field of social work does not reflect the ongoing reality of Black death and the embeddedness of anti-Blackness in everyday life. This omission leads to catastrophic failures of the profession’s most essential tasks: the advancement of social justice and future social workers’ education. This paper will discuss why the police’s ongoing murder of Black people will not be resolved by simply replacing the police with social workers. We will argue that social workers serving Black people must anchor their work in theoretical perspectives articulated by Black people. Finally, we challenge social work to live up to its social justice mission by divesting from systems of social control and anchoring their work in theoretical perspectives articulated by Black people.

Social justice, education and peacebuilding: conflict transformation in Southern Thailand

ABSTRACT Education is increasingly becoming central to debates about how to promote peace in conflict-affected societies. Equitable access to quality learning, promotion of social justice through educational reforms and conflict-sensitive curricular and pedagogical approaches are viewed as peace supporting educational interventions. Drawing upon the existing body of literature in the area of education, conflict and peace in Southern Thailand and reflecting on Nancy Fraser’s theory of social justice and applying the 4Rs framework, this paper provides a critical analysis of inequalities, cultural repression and epistemic domination through education. The paper argues that the 4Rs framework usefully exposes underlying structural tensions in education but does little to show avenues for rupturing unequal power relations and hegemonies that reproduce systems of domination and social exclusion at the macro level. The real hope, however, lies in the potential use of the 4Rs as a tool for grassroots political socialisation.