Due to the increase in social inequalities in modern societies, a part of the population is forced to live with limited resources, so every day we are bombarded with images of the difficulties faced by our fellowmen. charity and solidarity appear as a backdrop.
Thus, we may ask ourselves: to what extent are we responsible for the life and destiny of others ?, we live in a world where solidarity is becoming more and more widespread and, little by little, we become social aware of what is happening around us.
That is why in this article we will address charity, solidarity and social justice.
The system of social action as we know it today has had different models throughout history, the evolution of the models of this system is (Picornell, M. A. 2013):
Initially, when there was no model of protection for citizens for which the State was responsible, aid to people in precarious situations was provided by charity.
Going through the different models named, we come to what we have today: social services, fundamental pillar of the welfare state.
Was it primary care for alms, basic food aid or baskets, orphan care, hospital care, all without government control. Then it was understood that poverty could be legitimate (disease, orphanage?) Or illegitimate (addiction or indolence).
“Charity is humiliating because it is exercised vertically, up and down; Is solidarity horizontal and implies mutual respect?. – Eduardo Galeano-
To clarify a little more and differentiate more precisely, we will explain each of the terms:
The concept of charity, as proposed by Giraldo and Ruiz-Silva (2015), is linked to the notion of assistance, which does not imply the pursuit of justice or equality, nor does it promote the development of the capacity to empower those who benefit. of that.
Instead, it can be said that the person who provided the assistance is satisfied, but we must not forget that the duty to protect citizens is of governments.
On the other hand, solidarity, although generally associated with philanthropy, charity, altruism and brotherhood among human beings (Vargas-Machuca, 2005, cited in Giraldo and Ruiz-Silva, 2015) implies a certain difference when considering the definition given above.
Can solidarity be understood as a human response to today’s contradictions?(Burcena, 2006).
Solidarity ranges from momentary aid that alleviates a particular situation to a daily and even constant effort which, according to the above-mentioned authors, aims to reduce human suffering and maintain justice.
Finally, the term social justice derives from the sense of inequality that exists in the world, as well as from the need to build a better society.
In fact, Aristotle (quoted in Torrecilla and Castile, 2011) spoke in one of his books of distributive justice: “Give each one what is owed to him; that is, in proportion to your contribution to society, your needs and your personal merits. ?.
Currently, the concept? Social justice is complex and dynamic, for the United Nations social justice is a fundamental principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence, both within and between countries.
The pursuit of universal social justice is at the heart of its mission to promote human development and dignity.
The world is constantly changing. It is therefore necessary to adopt positions that promote equality and justice, not so much to momentarily mitigate a situation, but to give people the tools they need to improve their lives.
In short, as Griffiths says, 2003, social justice must be a dynamic project, never completed, completed or realized. That’s why a motto is required: fight to build and get a better place.