Gaurav Soni
October 05, 2023 03:29
7531
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Q7: A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
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“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” — Mahatma Gandhi
The myth of Prometheus in Greek mythology signifies how an act of charity can catalyse the process of justice in society. Prometheus, a Titan, was famous for his charitable and humane nature. When he saw how humans remain at mercy of Gods for fire and warmth, he decided to steal the fire from Mount Olympus and give it to humans. Empowered with the knowledge of fire, humans were no longer dependent on Gods for the same and could use that knowledge for their survival and progress. As they say, there are no free lunches in this world, the justice for humans came at a price that was paid by Prometheus. He was cursed to roll up the huge stone ball along the mountain till the end of time.
Charity and justice are two of the most cherished values of humankind. They have been both seen and propagated with great Vigor to promote welfare of all. While justice refers to the fair and equitable treatment of individuals and groups in a society, charity involves the act of giving or aiding, often in the form of resources, services, or support, to individuals or groups who are in need or facing hardship. Objective of both may seem similar on the surface, however they may vary greatly when it comes to impact and implications in the long run.
A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. This statement highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of social problems, rather than simply providing temporary solutions through charitable acts. A just society is one where every individual has equal access to resources and opportunities, and where social and economic inequalities are minimized. Society that has more justice is one where individuals are able to access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
In a society where justice is the norm, charity becomes an exception. Such an approach is seen in the case of Nordic Countries where the Nordic method of justice is prevalent. In this scheme of things, a set of principles and policies are designed that aim to reduce the need for charitable assistance by promoting social and economic justice. These systems provide a safety net for citizens by offering universal healthcare, free or heavily subsidized education, unemployment benefits, and other forms of social support. This approach to justice seeks to ensure that all citizens have access to essential services and resources, reducing the likelihood of extreme poverty or severe need. The goal is to prevent these problems at their root, rather than relying solely on charitable interventions to alleviate their consequences.
When seen in the Indian context, the example of caste and economically based reservation aims to do the same. Some sections of society have been mistreated historically and this resulted in their stunted growth which was mostly charity driven. Indian Constitution makers understood this thing and implemented a scheme of affirmative action. That would help these sections get equality of opportunity to good life thus promoting social and economic justice. Not only did it reduce their dependence on charitable means but made them independent and self-reliant, ultimately promoting smooth integration and cohesion in society.
The objective of any just society is to promote holistic justice and make its individuals capable enough to build a good and independent life for themselves.to A just society ensures that educational opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. Quality education can empower individuals to escape poverty. Finland is often cited for its equitable education system, where students receive a high-quality education regardless of their background. This approach helps reduce educational disparities and the need for charitable interventions in education.
Beyond education, justice-focused policies prioritize equal access to essential resources such as healthcare, education, and housing. When these needs are met for all citizens, the demand for charity decreases. In countries with universal healthcare systems, like Canada and the United Kingdom, people have access to medical services regardless of their income. This reduces the need for charitable healthcare services. Whereas when compared to societies which have high inequality and corruption, charity remains the primary safety net for individuals seeking healthcare support.
In a just society, individuals are not discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexuality, or other factors. They are able to participate fully in the economy and society, and are not excluded from opportunities due to systemic barriers. In such a society, there would be fewer individuals in need of charity. This is because they would have the means to support themselves and their families. Take the example of Indian social empowerment. Education and skill development among women lead to justice delivery and it lead to just society. So now dependency on Charity reduced for women empowerment.
Though charity is one revered virtue across all religions and societies, it cannot be seen as a substitute or an alternative to justice. Charity is important to alleviate human suffering and promote equality in society, but its impact is often short term and marginal. It can be seen as a component of social welfare efforts, particularly in mixed economies. However, some economists consider the potential negative incentive effects of charity. They argue that overly generous charitable assistance can discourage individuals from seeking employment or self-sufficiency. Thus, charity can be insufficient for achieving a just society because it relies on voluntary giving, which can be inconsistent and insufficient to address systemic inequalities.
Moreover, over reliance on charity can reduce the pace of justice in a society. Over Reliance on charity can lead to a lack of systemic change. It may allow governments and institutions to avoid addressing root causes of poverty, inequality, and injustice, as they might assume that charitable organizations will fill the gaps. Countries like Pakistan often depend on charity from benefactors, and this charity often rotates in the system as corruption, thus hollowing out the whole nation from within.
One can also argue that charity in the global south is often linked with corruption and lack of accountability. Charitable organizations may not be as accountable as governments to the populations they serve. This can result in a lack of transparency, oversight, and mechanisms for addressing grievances. Many NGOs getting aid from foreign nations have been working for vested interests and not really in the business of promoting justice. Even in the case of private individuals, charity often becomes the means to whitewash the black money or hide the inhumane criminal acts.
When seen from a geopolitics lens, charity from the developed world to developing countries comes at a huge cost. Be it China, which gives economic debts but in return claims sovereignty for some part of that debtor nation, or IMF bailouts that come with harsh policy changes that might affect the socio-political fabric in the society. Also, there is inherent inconsistency and unpredictability attached to charity. It makes the whole process of development and promotion of justice shaky and inconsistent in return. Thus, while charity can provide essential relief in times of crisis, a just society should prioritize systemic changes and government policies that address root causes and promote fairness and equity for all.
Justice serves as the foundation upon which charitable efforts are built. While the objective of any progressive society should be to promote justice, the dependence of charity should be seen as a catalyst for promoting justice. In times of emergencies, like natural disasters, the importance of charity becomes unquestionable, but the larger perspective should not be eclipsed over. However, while charity can provide immediate relief, it is often seen as complementary to systemic solutions aimed at addressing the root causes of injustices. Both are necessary for comprehensive change.
However, achieving a just society is not easy. It requires addressing systemic issues present in society since ancient time. poverty Economic inequality, gender violence, exclusion etc creating concern for achieving just society. It also requires a commitment to social and economic justice, and a willingness to challenge existing power structures. This can be a difficult and complex process, but it is essential if we want to create a society that is truly just and equitable.
One of the key ways to achieve a more just society is through policy change. This includes measures such as provide educational opportunities, giving skills, making different policies for vulnerable students etc. It also involves addressing systemic issues such as caste violence, religion violence and regional disparities as well. By implementing policies that promote equality and fairness, we can create a society where individuals are able to access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Another important factor in creating a just society is community engagement. This involves working with community members to identify the root causes of social problems and develop solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. It also involves building relationships of trust and mutual respect, and empowering individuals to take ownership of their own lives and communities.
In this respect the ideas of Amartya Sen become important. His capability approach places a central focus on individuals’ capabilities and freedom to lead the kind of lives they value. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing individuals’ capabilities and opportunities through education, healthcare, and access to resources. This aligns with the idea that charity should aim to empower people to lead dignified lives. He argues that a combination of charity and public policies is necessary to address the complex challenges of poverty and inequality.
Further, In the context of global charity and justice, Sen’s views underscore the importance of international cooperation and assistance to address disparities between developed and developing nations. He emphasizes the need for a global approach to justice and equity. Taking a cue, nations and societies in present time should understand that while charity can only band aid a problem, to sincerely address the root cause, justice approach in the long term is unavoidable.
To conclude, justice and charity are interconnected in a symbiotic relationship. While justice provides the ethical and moral framework for a fair society, charity serves as a practical tool for addressing the immediate consequences of injustice and empowering individuals and communities to work toward a more equitable future. Together, they contribute to the development of compassionate, inclusive, and just societies.
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” — Mahatma Gandhi
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