The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of the theoretical precept of social justice and its role as the foundation for activism in the work of public health nursing. This principle, broadly defined, refers to the equitable bearing of burdens and reaping of benefits in society. The relevance of social justice to public health will be explored through examination of the meaning of social justice at a theoretical and philosophical level. In addition to understanding social justice from the idealized perspective, an examination of how people have or have not embodied social justice will be undertaken. Integral to the real life operationalizing of social justice is the determination of who is included in the equation balancing benefits and burdens. Necessarily this equation is manifest in the social context, whereby the definitions of burdens and benefits are culturally derived and their meanings embedded within socio-economic and political constructs. Human beings are not always given to act in a socially just manner, but through critical thinking and reflection on their actions, may come to understand the broader implications social justice. Critical social theory assists in analyzing how socially unjust situations (e.g. slavery, Apartheid) can exist. This session contributes to the reanimation of the role of social justice as a driving imperative for the work of today’s public health nurse.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the learner will be able to: 1. Describe the relevance of social justice to public health 2. Explain the theoretical and philosophical perspectives of social justice
Keywords: Public Health Nursing, Social Justice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.