“There is not Communism or Marxism, but representative democracy and social justice in a well-planned economy.” –Fidel Castro

Billionaire Enrique Razon’s presence during the recent oath-taking for Iloilo provincial officials last month at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby was both timely and expedient. For the businessman, “social justice” is very relevant and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. vowed to serve the province on the basis of “social justice.”
Originating from a Catholic term, social justice was first used around 1840 as a new type of virtue for post-agrarian society. It has since been acquired by secular progressives to mean a uniform distribution of advantages and disadvantages by the state; where equity or justice is achieved in every aspect of society rather than only within certain sectors.
However, if people are to live free from state control, they also must possess this virtue of cooperation and association. According to Catholic philosopher Michael Novak, it is one of the great skills of Americans and, ultimately, the best defense against statism.

Social justice around the world
The United Nations defines social justice as “the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.” A world organized around social justice provides individuals and groups fair treatment as well as an impartial share or distribution of the advantages and disadvantages of society.
Formal definitions for social justice vary but there are commonalities, such as equal rights, equal opportunity, and equal treatment.
“I cannot do it alone,” Defensor stated. “Please join us in implementing programs that uplift lives, such as those of our farmers and fisherfolk.”
“Please join us in improving the barangays, [and] sharing the wealth and resources of the province,” he added. “There can be no justice without peace—please continue to help us.”

Oppression
The absence of social justice results in social oppression, such as racism, sexism, ageism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism.
Hierarchies of oppression are also built, wherein certain types of oppression are addressed and others are not.
Oppression of certain groups or individuals can result in social or legal exclusion, discrimination, inequitable distribution of resources, and emotional and physical consequences.

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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ