Social Justice in Public Policy: A Humanistic Perspective
Keywords:
Social Justice, Public Policy, Equity-Oriented Policy, Humanistic Public Administration, New Public ServiceAbstract
This study aims to develop a conceptual model for integrating humanistic social justice into public policy by systematically linking normative theories, public administration values, policy processes, and justice-oriented outcomes. The study employs a qualitative concep-tual analysis and a systematic synthesis of theoretical literature, drawing upon Rawls’s theory of justice, the capability approach of Sen and Nussbaum, as well as the concepts of Social Equity and New Public Service in contemporary public administration. The find-ings lead to the
development of a four-dimensional model consisting of 1) normative foundations, 2) administrative values, 3) policy processes, and 4) justice-oriented outcomes, interconnect-ed through a value translation mechanism. This model enables the integration of justice considerations from the earliest stages of the public policy process. The proposed para-digm shift toward a humanistic public administration perspective suggests that social jus-tice should not be treated merely as a governance outcome but must be embedded across all stages of the policy cycle, including problem identification, policy design, imple-mentation, and multidimensional evaluation. Such an approach contributes to reducing structural inequalities, enhancing citizens’ experiences of justice, and strengthening state legitimacy.
These findings demonstrate that the systematic integration of social justice elevates policy analysis from a technical efficiency-oriented framework to an ethical and institution-al framework. The proposed model also provides a foundation for future empirical and comparative research. Ultimately, social justice should be conceptualized as a process ra-ther than merely an outcome.
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