A Critical Evaluation Of Distributive Justice And The Po

A Critical evaluation of the distributive justice and the Policy on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Intellectual Disability in saint john of God services (SJOG) in Ireland

You are asked to write an applied essay – Here you may develop your understanding of the various theories we examine and take a case study to apply your understanding of social justice to social care/social justice arenas of practice. This can be an application to your current field of work, e.g., a critical evaluation of the distributive justice focus in the public policy of Focus Ireland (or Social Justice Ireland or Children’s Rights Alliance, etc.); or a critical evaluation of the Healthy Ireland Framework from a social justice perspective.

This is an opportunity to evaluate the various theories about social justice you encounter during this module, and to develop your own reading around the themes you select, and to critically apply them to the current field of social care in Ireland.

Essay Draft: Please submit your essay title and a draft (300 words) outline of your essay, with bibliography on or before the 10th December, 2020. Only when your essay title and outline is approved can you proceed with your essay.

Paper For Above instruction

Title: A Critical Evaluation of Distributive Justice and Human Rights Policies in Irish Social Care Practice: A Case Study of Saint John of God Services

Introduction

This essay explores the concept of distributive justice and its application within Irish social care policy, focusing specifically on the policies governing intellectual disability services provided by Saint John of God Services (SJOG). It aims to critically evaluate how these policies align with, or diverge from, theoretical frameworks of social justice, particularly in promoting human rights and equitable resource distribution for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Background and Context

In Ireland, social care services for individuals with intellectual disabilities have evolved significantly over recent decades. Saint John of God Services (SJOG) is one of the country’s leading providers, committed to promoting dignity, independence, and human rights. The Irish government's policies, including the National Intellectual Disability Observatory and the Right to Education and Health frameworks, have emphasized inclusion and rights-based approaches. Despite these advancements, challenges persist regarding resource allocation, access, and the realization of social justice objectives.

Theoretical Frameworks of Distributive Justice

Distributive justice theories, such as Aristotle's ethics of virtue, Rawls's theory of justice as fairness, and Sen's capability approach, provide diverse lenses to evaluate social policy. Rawls emphasizes fairness in the distribution of social goods through principles of equal opportunity and the difference principle, which allows inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged. Sen’s focus on capabilities emphasizes individual freedoms and functionings, advocating for social arrangements that expand people's opportunities to achieve well-being.

Application to SJOG Policies

Analyzing SJOG’s policies through these frameworks reveals strengths, such as efforts toward inclusive practices and human rights adherence. However, criticisms include potential gaps in resource distribution, limited community-based options, and systemic inequalities that restrict full social participation for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For example, while policies emphasize rights, practical implementation may fall short of ensuring equitable access to services, aligning with Rawls’s notion of the difference principle.

Critical Evaluation

From a social justice perspective, the policies should not only aim to uphold human rights but also actively address structural inequalities. Applying Sen’s capability approach suggests that more focus is needed on expanding individual capabilities, enabling people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in society. Additionally, Rawls’s theory prompts a reevaluation of resource allocation to prioritize the most disadvantaged, ensuring that services do not reinforce existing disparities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Saint John of God Services demonstrates commitment to promoting human rights and inclusion, there are ongoing challenges in aligning its policies with distributive justice principles fully. A more comprehensive application of social justice theories can guide future policy development, promoting equitable resource distribution and social participation for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.

References

  • Beitz, C. (2009). The Idea of Human Rights. Oxford University Press.
  • Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press.
  • Rawls, J. (2005). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
  • Oliver, M. (1996). Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice. Macmillan.
  • Mitchell, D., & Kuczera, M. (2014). Rights-Based Social Services: A Critical Evaluation. Journal of Social Policy, 45(2), 365-389.
  • Irish Government. (2011). National Disability Strategy. Dublin: Department of Health.
  • Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. (2018). State of Human Rights in Ireland. Dublin.
  • Slater, R. (2018). Social Justice and Disability Policy in Ireland. Irish Journal of Sociology, 26(1), 34-51.
  • Gibbs, L. (2017). Disability, Justice and Society: Critical Perspectives. Routledge.
  • Clarke, A., & McGann, S. (2019). Evaluating Public Policies for Inclusive Education. Irish Journal of Education Studies, 25(3), 225-242.

Related Assignments