Handbook on Global Social Justice: Second Edition

Since the publication of Rawls’ seminal work, A Theory of Justice, in the second half of the twentieth century, the concept of social justice has been constantly debated, with those on the political right and left advocating very different understandings. This global second edition offers a wide-ranging analysis which challenges claims that the market can provide social justice for all.

Comprehensive in both its geographical and thematic coverage, authors link theory to policy and practice. Updated sections cover how to think strategically about social justice in relation to national perspectives; equality and human rights; and applications of the concept to a range of welfare divisions and professional practices. Reflecting both historical and contemporary debates on the subject, the Handbook provides a strong political focus, as well as widening the view of social justice beyond narrow perspectives on welfare provision. A new section stresses the importance of understanding social justice in a postcolonial frame.

This second edition Handbook will be an excellent tool for students at a postgraduate level in the social sciences, particularly social policy, sociology, politics and philosophy. Established researchers of political and sociological theory, and practitioners and policy-makers in professional areas of welfare provision, will also find the extensive insights into current research exceptionally useful for enhancing and developing their work, and situating it within a clear political and philosophical context.