Class 11 Political Science - KERALA
Social Justice
The Chapter 'Social Justice' in Class 11 Political Science (Kerala SCERT) explores the philosophical foundations and practical dimensions of fairness and equality in society. It examines how resources, opportunities, rights, and privileges should be distributed among citizens to reduce glaring inequalities. Students will learn about the evolution of social justice, John Rawls' theory of 'Veil of Ignorance', and the role of the state in ensuring equal treatment for marginalized groups through affirmative action and welfare policies. This chapter is vital for board exams as it forms the basis of value-based questions and essay topics regarding democratic citizenship and constitutional values in India.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Social Justice
The principle that all people should have equal access to wealth, health, well-being, privileges, and opportunity regardless of their social background.
Distributive Justice
The fair and proper allocation of goods, resources, and burdens across society to ensure basic needs of all individuals are met.
John Rawls' Theory of Justice
A philosophical approach using the 'Veil of Ignorance' thought experiment to design a fair society without knowing one's future social or economic status.
Equal Treatment vs. Equal Opportunity
The distinction between treating everyone identically and providing special assistance or reservations to disadvantaged groups to bring them to a level playing field.
Affirmative Action
Policy measures designed to actively promote equal opportunity and rectify past discrimination for historically disadvantaged sections of society.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 11 Political Science examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently appear as short answers defining social justice, essay questions discussing John Rawls' theory, or application-based questions on affirmative action and state intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between legal justice and social justice?
Legal justice is strictly about adherence to laws and fair trials in courts, whereas social justice looks at broader systemic inequalities in society and aims to ensure fair distribution of resources and opportunities for all.
What is John Rawls' 'Veil of Ignorance'?
It is a hypothetical scenario where individuals design a society's rules without knowing what position, gender, wealth, or abilities they will have in it, forcing them to create fair rules for everyone.
Why is state intervention necessary for social justice?
The free market often creates vast economic disparities and ignores the vulnerable. State intervention through welfare schemes, laws, and reservations is necessary to protect the rights of marginalized and weaker sections.
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