What is social justice?

Equality

Social justice seeks to level the playing field so that everyone, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to prosper. It aims to remove systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and deny access to resources and opportunities to specific individuals.

Human rights

Social justice is fundamentally based on the protection and advancement of human rights. It acknowledges that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect and that their basic needs should be met. Social justice promotes the well-being and freedoms of all members of society through advocating for human rights.

Empowerment

Social justice empowers individuals and communities by giving them a voice and agency in shaping their lives. It fosters a sense of belonging and ownership over one’s destiny by encouraging active participation and engagement.

Reduce inequality

Social justice initiatives aim to reduce social inequities and ensure a more equitable distribution of income and resources. This results in a fair society where individuals have a better chance of success regardless of their backgrounds.

Improved well-being

Social justice, with the help of social workers from various movements, contributes to the overall well-being of individuals and communities by addressing systematic imbalances. It guarantees that basic services like health care, education, and housing are available to everyone, fostering healthier and more meaningful lives.

Social cohesion

Within communities, social justice cultivates a sense of unity and solidarity. Recognising and respecting diversity creates an environment where people from all walks of life feel valued and included. This fosters social cohesion, trust, and cooperation, resulting in more resilient and stronger communities.

Economic development

Economic justice is closely tied to social justice. Social justice creates a more productive and inclusive workforce by providing marginalised groups with equal access to education, job opportunities, and fair compensation. As a result, economic growth and development are enhanced.

Lasting change

Social justice seeks long-term structural transformation. It goes beyond surface-level adjustments to provide long-term solutions by addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. This paves the way for future generations to have a just and equal future.

GHD offers integrated engineering, planning, architecture, and urban-design services to create places that are humane, comfortable, and safe for all users. We aim to develop spaces flexible enough to accommodate changing needs, population growth, new services, and technologies. Our objective is to inspire engagement in promoting good social-justice practices and movements.

We work on a wide range of community and government structures, including libraries, courts, aquatic centres, educational facilities, function venues, and meeting facilities. Our collaborative approach promotes ongoing urban expansion and community revitalisation.

GHD offers services tailored to the unique social needs of different communities and sectors, which include:

• Commercial and workplace
• Defence and national security
• Education and science
• Health and well-being
• Industrial, resources, and utilities
• Residential, retirement, and aged care
• Retail and hospitality
• Transport facilities
• Urban development

Our integrated teams tackle the challenges communities face worldwide, by leveraging our global network of expertise across GHD.

Our Future Communities specialists work across various typologies, geographies, and markets to help our clients lay the groundwork for future success. Whether in bustling metropolises or rural towns, expanding suburbs or remote villages, we are dedicated to assisting communities in building a better future.

Articles referenced

^{GHD n.d., ‘Engagement, Communications and Communities’, retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://www.ghd.com/en/expertise/energy-and-resources/engagement-communication-and-communities}

^{GHD n.d., ‘Future communities’, retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://www.ghd.com/en/the-future/future-communities}

^{Huberty, Emmaline Soken n.d., ‘What does social justice mean?’ retrieved from https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/what-does-social-justice-mean/}

^{San Diego Foundation 2022, ‘What is social justice?’ retrieved May 31, 2023, from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/what-is-social-justice/}