What is the difference between equality and justice? It seems that these words are used interchangeably and therefor incorrectly. According to dictionary.com equality is "the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability." Meanwhile, according to dictionary.com, justice is "the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness." This raises the question, is all that is equal just? and is all that is just equal? In my opinion, the answer is an obvious no.
In 2007, justice has not been achieved. Until every single person worldwide is not being harassed, underpaid, denied rights, or exploited there will not be justice. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere." What he meant was as long as one is oppressed, all are oppressed. Localized social justice is bittersweet. The act of freeing one group of people while others stay in the chains of oppression is not only unjust, but nonsensical.
In 2007, equality has not been achieved. In my opinion this is fortunate. If everyone had nothing, there would be equality. Does that define justice? Of course not. People should have the right to think independently and believe what the want to. People should have the right to work their way to financial prosperity. However, limitations are an essential part of keeping a just society functioning. A socialist economy would allow for economic growth as well as keep a minimal amount of people under the poverty line. Keeping reality in sight, this is the best option for a socially aware society.
Equality is an essential part of justice. Equal pay for equal work and equal rights for citizens are crucial to the survival of a people. Sometimes equality plays against justice. Since legally and statistically demographics are not equal, it is sometimes necessary to have unequal policies for the ultimate cause of equality. This is one reason why some colleges adopt the policies of affirmative action.
I thought this would an appropriate first post so you could understand the way I differentiate the two terms. =)
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