Promoting Social Justice: It’s not as hard as you think
As a society, we limit ourselves by not being aware of our individual liberties. Being aware of our rights is fundamental for our own protection, but also those we are surrounded with. They enable us to speak up for ourselves, particularly where one faces poor treatment from a public authority.
Why is it important?
The world around us had progressed in such a way that our needs are often met instantly, or so we think. The development of technology, as cliché as it sounds, has led us to distract ourselves from outside circumstances, and while we may believe that we are no longer affected (having isolated ourselves), it’s quite the contrary.
It is important to discuss how we can act upon our rights to better support and protect ourselves. This blog will discuss the different means of promoting social justice, with examples of their effectiveness (particularly in the 21st century) with the aim of raising awareness and empowering people to be active citizens.
Voting at elections
Why is voting important? Why is it necessary? Why do I need to participate? When it comes close to election time, these tend to be the questions that most people wish to understand.
The rules and regulations around us continue to operate, and one government after another will be elected. Yet, to better our circumstances we must provide our own insight and vocalise our opinions and concerns. It is not fair to simply leave the decision of who represents our society, in the hands of others. It is important to be active and have some form of a say on the important issues that affect you, as it were, to keep the body healthy and functioning.
Unfortunately, we don’t seem to be doing this very well. According to the White Rose’s 2018 research paper, since 2001, turnout at general elections has never returned to post-war levels. At 64% in 2001, turnout was 12 percentage points lower than that between 1950 and 1997. In 2024, turnout was even lower at only 59.7%, meaning that only around half of the country has voted for our current representatives. It is crucial to ensure that citizens are actively participating and have a say in the type of government in power, regardless of whether we agree with the result or not.
Speak to your MP
The previous statement often creates sparks of conflict, for which reason it is necessary to understand the constituency basis by which Parliament operates, when an MP is elected to represent constituents. While you may not have voted for your MP, they still have a duty to consider views equally before deciding on the process of enacting them.
This can include the questioning of a minister in government, or a further debate in questioning the Prime Minister (in the weekly Prime Ministers Question’s) for further clarity on a situation. As your representative, they have a duty to act on your behalf and generally further any inquiries of their constituents. For this reason, many organisations (like Amnesty International) often advise addressing your concerns with your representative, as they will give high priority to such requests made.
Participation through technology and media
The use of media and technology can also prove effective in raising awareness about a cause. The rise of successful e-petitions has allowed for many concerns to be addressed and considered by both Government and Parliament, while also raising awareness of issues. As well as this, they are very easy and quick means of participation, allowing for effective government accountability, outside of the election year.
To provide an example, in 2017, Gina Martin began a campaign to make upskirting illegal in England and Wales, as a result of her own individual experience. With over 110, 000 signatures on her e-petition, Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse brought up the issue in Parliament for discussion and debate. As such, it was introduced as a Private Members’ Bill, where it received the attention of many ministers and experts, before coming into force as the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019. Upskirting is now illegal in England and Wales.
Pressure groups
An increase in pressure groups has also had an impact on the means by which people can participate in order to have their concerns addressed. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has over 1 million members (larger than that of the three main political parties combined) and have therefore been able to work particularly closely with decision-makers in government to call for effective protection of our natural environment. To provide an example of their success, the RSPB (along with other environmental organisations) has been campaigning for a ban on bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides. After much debate and review, the government agreed to uphold the decision to ban their use in the UK and the EU. This example highlights the impact that joining a pressure group can have. Aligning yourself with a group holding a similar interest to your own, can lead to an effective persuasion of policy changes to those with law-making power. The views of members are often considered when making legislation, giving your voice the opportunity to hold more power.
Conclusion
Essentially, there are various means by which one can engage in decision-making to implement policies affecting everyday lives. In our democracy, there is no compulsory form of participation, but this is not so that people don’t act for their rights, but rather to give people the choice in how they wish to do so. As John Adams stated, ‘Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right ... and a desire to know’.
By Arooj Irfan, Student Blog Writer at QMLAC and LLB Law Student.
This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice on any matter. While we always aim to ensure that information is correct at the date of posting, the legal position can change, and the blogs will not ordinarily be updated to reflect any subsequent relevant changes. Anyone seeking legal advice on the subject matter should contact a specialist legal representative.
References:
Human Rights – why they’re important (Age UK, last updated 10 February 2025)
Why It Is Vital To Know Your Rights (Each Other, 22 June 2022)
Voter turnout and intergenerational redistrubtion (White Rose, 2018)
How to lobby your member of parliament (Amnesty International)
Campaign success as UK government upholds ban on emergency use of bee-killing pesticide (RSPB, 24 January 2025)