Everyday Social Justice and Citizenship ─ Perspectives for the 21st Century

Social justice is a concept which is widely touted and lauded as desirable, yet its meaning differs depending on whether its focus is on the underlying values of social justice, the more specific objectives these entail or the actual practices or policies which aim to achieve social justice. In the current global political context, we need to re-examine what we mean by social justice, and demonstrate that 'making a difference' and contributing to human flourishing is more achievable than this context would suggest. The book aims to increase our sense of being able to enact social justice, by showcasing different ways of contributing to social justice, and 'making a difference' in different settings and different ways.

Part I introduces a fluid and contextual approach to social justice. Part II examines social justice and faith perspectives, such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam and community organisations. Part III illustrates perspectives on children, the family, sport and local government. Part IV provides perspectives of social justice in education.

Considering concepts of citizenship and social justice from a variety of contemporary perspectives, Everyday Social Justice and Citizenship should be considered essential reading for academics and students from a range of social scientific disciplines with an interest in social justice, as well as those working in education, community work, youth work and chaplaincy.

Ann Marie Mealey is a senior lecturer in ethics and moral theology at Leeds Trinity University, where she is currently Academic Group Leader for theology and religious studies, hstory and plitics. She is the author of 'The Identity of Christian Morality' and other scholarly articles that relate to moral conscience, ecofeminism and bioethics. Ann Marie is a member of the leadership team of Leeds Citizens, the Justice and Peace Commission in the Diocese of Leeds and the CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) Theological Reference Group in the United Kingdom.

Pam Jarvis is a chartered psychologist and a historian. Her key research focus is the well-being of children, young people and their families, and the development of social policy to support this. She has numerous publications and is currently Reader in childhood, youth and education at Leeds Trinity University. She is an active campaigner for 'developmentally informed' policy and practice, frequently blogging in The Huffington Post on this topic.

Jan Fook is currently Professor of Higher Education Pedagogy at Leeds Trinity University. She has worked in Australia, Canada and the UK and has held several chairs, including at the University of Southampton and Royal Holloway, University of London. She has published twelve books and over 100 book chapters and articles, mostly in the area of critical social work and critical reflection.

Jonathan Doherty is a lecturer in teacher education, where he teaches professional studies to pre-service teachers. Previously he has worked as an educational adviser, consultant and as a senior manager in two HEIs. His research is in the areas of educational disadvantage, inclusion and school improvement and he has published extensively in these areas.