Social Justice in a Turbulent Era

Book excerpt: This incisive book examines how the values of social justice can be protected against attacks from the interacting economic, social, environmental, and health crises of the 21st century. Global contributors outline key elements of a political programme that resists the shift to the right caused by this turbulence through centring fairness, equality, respect and inclusion. Integrating policy, practical, and political perspectives, this book analyses the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of racism and xenophobia, the growth of right-wing populism and nationalism, the 2008 economic crisis, and the impacts of climate change. Arguing that the current era is unique for the global nature of its turbulences, it illustrates how and why the gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged has grown more rapidly due to recent crises. Contributors focus on how these crises relate to and reinforce each other, providing roadmaps for political action across national borders. This book will be essential reading for academics in sociology, politics, public and social policy, sustainability, and human rights. Providing ideas and models to support the practical struggle for social justice, it will also be an invaluable guide for activists, politicians, and policymakers.