Distributive Justice: Definition, Types, & Examples

Issues of distributive justice focus on the fairness of distributing something among different people or groups. A considerable number of policy arguments focus on distributive justice from the viewpoint of ensuring fairness. In this light, the policy arguments are founded on whether what is being distributed is beneficial or burdensome. This provision invites the argument that when a society distributes its benefits and burdens in ways that are not just, it is presumed that the institutions in the society should be changed. Based on the need to tackle issues of justice and fairness when focusing on the notion of distributive justice, a considerable number of ethicists in the contemporary society are likely to hold the view that it would be pointless to talk about justice and fairness without the existence of conflicts of interests (von der Pfordten, 2012). The conflict of interest arises when the goods and services to be distributed are scarce, and people do not agree on who should get what.

The foundations of distributive justice can be traced to the interdependence of individuals and institutions in the society as well as the realization of equal dignity. In this light, the stability of the society depends on the extent to which the members feel that the existing political and social institutions are treating them justly. However, when making ethical decisions, the social institutions cannot be tied to following justice as the overriding principle for the decision. In some cases, the institutions might favor other moral claims, which include people’s rights and the welfare of the society to justify the distribution of resources. In some cases, the government can justify actions or inactions based on distributive justice concerns, some of which are grounded on the lack of consensus.

References

von der Pfordten, D. (2012). Five Elements of Normative Ethics – A General Theory of Normative Individualism. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 15 (4), 449-471.