Defining Social Justice
Social justice, according to Novak (200), is “a specific habit of justice that is "social" in two senses” (p. 13). First, the term “social” indicates that the greater good of society is, just that, a social responsibility. Social justice is attained only by working together in all aspects of a community; political, governmental, cultural, and religious, etc. Second, the term “social” indicates that attaining true social justice depends on the facts that humans are “good” (Novak, 2000, p.13). Although this definition makes the concept of social justice seem a bit idealistic, I believe that it sets an important goal for my practice as a Child and Youth Care practitioner. In parts based on Novak’s (2000) definition of social …show more content…
In our Western society, child’s mental health is generally assessed on whether or not they are “normal”. During the assessment, each “abnormal” behavior or trait that is observed in a child is compiled on a list to eventually give a diagnosis.
The advantages and disadvantages of label. This diagnosis, becomes a label that the child holds throughout their life. This label becomes the most definitive aspect of the child (Cook, 2001). First, I must acknowledge that labels can become a strength for certain people. Labels can become part of a person’s identity, or create a sense of community with other individuals that identify with a similar label. For example, a youth struggling with substance use and addiction might find support from a treatment group. Or, the mother of a child with ASD might find hope and a sense of community in participating in parent groups. On the other hand, however, are the negative effects of labels. One of the most recognizable risks for children carrying specific labels comes from society. Labels comes with definitions and a “set of expectations that may be associated with the label” (Cook, 2001, p.209). People tend to see the child as their label and reacts and interact with the child according to their individual knowledge, experiences and beliefs. This can be detrimental to the child as they attend various environments, such as
Social justice, according to Novak (200), is “a specific habit of justice that is "social" in two senses” (p. 13). First, the term “social” indicates that the greater good of society is, just that, a social responsibility. Social justice is attained only by working together in all aspects of a community; political, governmental, cultural, and religious, etc. Second, the term “social” indicates that attaining true social justice depends on the facts that humans are “good” (Novak, 2000, p.13). Although this definition makes the concept of social justice seem a bit idealistic, I believe that it sets an important goal for my practice as a Child and Youth Care practitioner. In parts based on Novak’s (2000) definition of social …show more content…
In our Western society, child’s mental health is generally assessed on whether or not they are “normal”. During the assessment, each “abnormal” behavior or trait that is observed in a child is compiled on a list to eventually give a diagnosis.
The advantages and disadvantages of label. This diagnosis, becomes a label that the child holds throughout their life. This label becomes the most definitive aspect of the child (Cook, 2001). First, I must acknowledge that labels can become a strength for certain people. Labels can become part of a person’s identity, or create a sense of community with other individuals that identify with a similar label. For example, a youth struggling with substance use and addiction might find support from a treatment group. Or, the mother of a child with ASD might find hope and a sense of community in participating in parent groups. On the other hand, however, are the negative effects of labels. One of the most recognizable risks for children carrying specific labels comes from society. Labels comes with definitions and a “set of expectations that may be associated with the label” (Cook, 2001, p.209). People tend to see the child as their label and reacts and interact with the child according to their individual knowledge, experiences and beliefs. This can be detrimental to the child as they attend various environments, such as