Distributive+justice

Distributive justice concerns the distribution of burdens and benefits in social cooperation, this means the fair distribution of resources among the society. The notion of fairness and equality is of high importance, when discussing the concept of distributive justice, how and in what terms should these resources be allocated among the society so that everyone gets their “fair share”.


 * Fair distribution**

The question of “fair share” is not one with straight forward answers. There can be found three different categories how the notion fair distribution should be approached, these are equality, equity and need. //Equality// means division based on everyone getting the same, in other words resources would be divided among the society equally. //Equity// in the other hand means that division would be based on the individuals input to the society, so people who contribute more to society, should receive more benefits. Lastly division based on //need// is based on division according to the needs of the individuals, meaning that people who need benefits should receive them. This is what happens for example when states provide benefits to people in need. Then there are approaches that combine for example the equity with need, so that we would in a way create a system, where those who cannot compete (in other those people who for one reason or another cannot contribute to society in a way that their needs would be met), would receive benefits. Lastly we can look at the distribution in a more general and larger scale than individuals. This means distribution according to what the society needs and what is good for the society. This then raises the question of who determines what is good for society, for example should well-paid corporate leaders receive benefits because they generate jobs and thus benefit the society at large, or should they be taxed more effectively, and then allocate these tax-resources to those in need and thus benefit the society at large.


 * Distributive justice and taxation**

Taxation is one of those issues that cause discussion under the topic of fair distribution of resources. Are taxes an unfair burden to individual or a much need way to allocate resources fairly among the society. In the discussion there can be seen two lines of thinking, one that suggest that raising fund through taxation is a much needed resource due to the fact that many social benefits and rights (health care, property ownership etc.) have public costs. But then we enter into the question of burdens in social cooperation and taxes are often seen as an unfair burden, in other word by taxing highly those who have gained more we put an unfair burden on them in social cooperation. These issues are highly related to different political views and taxation is one of most common issues raised up by politicians.


 * Conclusion**

Distributive justice means the allocation of resources among the society in a just way. This means that everyone should get their “fair share”. This then raises the questions of what is “fair-share” and how should we raise these resources fairly and in way that everyone could meet their basic needs. The relationship between taxation and distribtive justice is a complex one and is made more complex by political power struggles.

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