Social Justice can occur only when People Accept the Equality of Others?

Social justice can occur only when people accept the equality of others.
Describe a specific situation in which social justice might occur without people accepting the equality of others. Discuss what you think determines whether or not social justice can occur only when people accept the equality of others.
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The concept of social justice involves creating a society based on principles of equality and solidarity. It is the idea that values human rights, as well as the sanctity of human life. A society that strives for social justice believes that that all people, no matter their circumstances at birth, must have full access to the tools that allow them to develop socially and personally. These tools may include, among others, free access to education and health care, as well as property and income redistribution. For social justice to occur, people must accept the equality of others.

Social justice is centered around the idea that all people are equal---not just under the law---but in all aspects. One's intelligence, appearance or family background does not influence one's inherent value. In a society based on social justice, all people have the potential to contribute equally in society; therefore, each person is entitled to the same resources (as far as education, health, etc.) in order to reach this potential. To ensure that all people have access to these resources, the state must establish systems of income redistribution, as well as free public services. A society cannot rely on the magnanimity of people with money to voluntarily share their resources with others, so state must impose a system that gives the poor chances to move up the social ladder.

However, it may be impossible to create a functioning society on the sole basis of social justice because of efficiency concerns. When resources are distributed from the "haves" to the "have nots", this might create a lack of incentive for entrepreneurial and innovative types to create and work at their optimal level. The "have nots" may develop a sense of entitlement to welfare benefits and also not work to their potential. Granted, while social justice is not necessarily socialism, the idea of providing the "have nots" with opportunities to rise above their circumstances is key.

While social justice aspires to the idea of all humans as inherently equal, the harsh reality is that humans are not born equal. Some are born with abilities and features that allow them to survive in a world of scarce resources. Others are not so lucky and must struggle intensely to make it in the world. However, one could treat all people as equals under the law. Some may argue that social justice does not entail redistributing resources from the rich to the poor. Perhaps social justice can be achieved by assuring that a society treats people equally under its law. An ironic point is that treating people equally under the law means that income distribution practices and free health care for the "have nots" would be in question. Indeed, the concept of "all humans as equals" is a relative phrase that means different things to different people when considering the definition of social justice.