Distributive Justice

Definition of Distributive Justice

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Distributive Justice: One of two key categories of justice or fairness, the other being retributive justice. Distributive justice refers to fairness in the allocation of the rewards or benefits of society or of an institution within society. For example, it is seen as ‘fair’ that those student essays which best meet the criteria of academia should receive the best grades. When Karl Marx asserts that workers produce value in a commodity which they do not receive and are thus exploited, he is concerned about distributive injustice. Retributive justice, on the other hand, refers to fairness in the administration and imposition of punishment on those who have brought harm or negative consequences on individuals or society. It is seen as fair, for example, that those who violate the law should receive punishment. The criminal justice system can be thought of as the institutionalization of this type of justice.

Distributive Justice: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Distributive Justice. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada