injustice

Injustice refers to a condition in which individuals or groups experience unfair treatment or denial of rights. It encompasses violations of due process, unequal application of laws, and the distribution of resources or opportunities that disadvantages some people relative to others. Injustice can occur within legal systems, social institutions, economic arrangements, and political processes. The term derives from Latin injustitia, from in- (not) + iustus (just).

Injustice can be categorized in several overlapping forms. Legal injustice arises when laws or legal processes are applied unevenly or when rights are not protected. Social injustice describes persistent patterns of discrimination and inequality based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. Economic injustice involves unequal access to income, wealth, and opportunities. Political injustice includes suppression of participation or representation. Environmental injustice occurs when environmental harms disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Causes include discrimination, power imbalances, structural bias in institutions, corruption, and informational asymmetries. In many societies, legal norms can codify injustices in ways that privilege certain groups; social norms and stereotypes reinforce unequal outcomes. Injustice often arises from the interaction of individual actions with broader structural factors.

Impacts of injustice include harm to individuals and communities, erosion of trust in institutions, and social or political instability. Responses emphasize accountability and reform, including legal remedies, civil rights advocacy, policy changes aimed at equity, and efforts to improve transparency and data collection. Assessments of injustice frequently rely on indicators such as disparities in outcomes, access to justice, and the protection of rights.

Debates about injustice intersect with ideas of fairness, rights, and social welfare, balancing concerns of individual liberty with collective well-being. Related concepts include justice, fairness, equity, and rights.