Can there be peace without social justice?

No, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without social justice.

Peace and social justice are intrinsically linked. The concept of peace extends beyond the mere absence of violence or conflict; it also encompasses the presence of justice and equality. Social justice, on the other hand, refers to the fair and equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It is about ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal access to resources and opportunities.

In a society where social justice is lacking, certain groups or individuals may be marginalised or disadvantaged, leading to social unrest, conflict, and ultimately, a lack of peace. This is because social injustices, such as discrimination, inequality, and poverty, can breed resentment and tension among different groups within a society. These tensions can escalate into conflicts, which disrupt peace.

Moreover, without social justice, peace is likely to be temporary and superficial. This is because the underlying issues that cause conflict and unrest, such as inequality and injustice, are not addressed. As a result, even if a society appears to be peaceful on the surface, it is likely to be unstable and prone to conflict.

For example, in societies where there is a significant wealth gap, the poor may feel aggrieved and marginalised, leading to social unrest and conflict. Similarly, in societies where certain groups are discriminated against or denied their rights, these groups may resort to violence or other forms of resistance in order to fight for their rights, disrupting peace.

Therefore, for peace to be sustainable, it is crucial that social justice is achieved. This means ensuring that all individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities, and that their rights are respected and protected. It also means addressing the root causes of conflict and unrest, such as inequality and injustice. Only when social justice is achieved can a society truly be peaceful.