Social Justice Activism

Social Justice Theory
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Furthermore, it is children and adolescents within
communities of color, who are often among those most
negatively impacted by situations of inequality and
injustice. For example, ethnic minority children and
those in low-income households are more likely to
experience heightened rates of violence and less likely
to live in neighborhoods that offer resources such as
parks, museums, and libraries (O’Connell et al. 2009).
Neighborhoods without such features are less able to
promote the positive development and well-being of
young people (O’Connell et al. 2009). Before delving
into this research, it is important to provide a clear
definition of the term “social justice.”
Defining Social Justice
Social justice is generally defined as the fair and equitable
distribution of power, resources, and obligations
in society to all people, regardless of race or ethnicity,
age, gender, ability status, sexual orientation, and religious
or spiritual background (Van den Bos 2003).
Fundamental principles underlying this definition
include values of inclusion, collaboration, cooperation,
equal access, and equal opportunity. Such values are
also the foundation of a democratic and egalitarian
society (Sue 2001). In addition, a crucial link exists
between social justice and overall health and wellbeing.
For individuals, the absence of justice often
represents increased physical and emotional suffering
as well as greater vulnerability to illness. Furthermore,
social justice issues and access to resources are also
inexorably tied to collective well-being (e.g., relationships
and political welfare) of families, communities,
and society (Hage 2005; Kenny and Hage 2009;
Prilleltensky and Nelson 2002).
Effects of Inequality on Adolescents
Much research documents the adverse effects of poverty
and inequality on the physical, psychological, and
social development of adolescents (e.g., Evans and Kim
2007; Hay et al. 2007; Wadsworth et al. 2008; Young
et al. 2001). For example, Abernathy et al. (2002) noted
that adverse health outcomes start in infancy, as poverty
is associated with higher rates of infant mortality.
In their study, they assessed how the home environment
and family income level affect adolescents’ physical
well-being. Results showed that negative healthrelated
behaviors were associated with lower levels of
income. Specifically, adolescents living in lowerincome
families were more likely to live in a smoking
household, more likely to smoke cigarettes themselves,
and were less physically active. Adolescents in lowerincome
families were also less likely to have a regular
physician (Abernathy et al. 2002).
Elgar et al. (2005) also found evidence of
a relationship between negative health behaviors and
socioeconomic status. These authors investigate the
effects of national-level income inequality – that is,
income disparities between the rich and poor – on
negative health behaviors, such as drinking and
smoking. Elgar et al. (2005) assessed the relationship
between living in a country with higher levels of
income inequality and alcohol consumption among
11, 13, and 15-year-olds. They found that the 11- and
13-year-olds living in countries with more income
inequality were significantly more likely to drink alcohol.
They were also more likely to drink more often,
and the 11-year-olds were more likely to drink until
a state of drunkenness was achieved (Elgar et al. 2005).
Much literature confirms the link between poverty
in adolescence and adverse health risks and conditions
(e.g., Evans and Kim 2007). These negative health factors
may contribute to a shortened lifespan for adolescents
living in poverty, and likely contribute to higher
rates of chronic health problems among adults living in
poverty. For example, Miech et al. (2006) found that
rates of obesity were higher among poor adolescents,
with adolescents in their sample also less likely to be
physically active. Vieweg et al. (2007) found a similar
link between poverty and obesity. They found that
receiving public health insurance (and lack of private
health insurance) was positively correlated with
unhealthy weight levels in adolescents. In addition,
the incidence of unhealthy weight was highest in Hispanic
adolescents, followed by Black adolescents
(Vieweg et al. 2007).
The psychological effects of living in poverty have
been shown to be equally problematic during adolescence.
Adolescents living in poverty often cope with
stressful life situations, such as domestic disputes and
neighborhood violence, at a higher rate than youth
from families with adequate income (Center for Disease
Control 2007). In addition, adolescents of color
are more likely than White adolescents to live in the
poorest, crime-ridden neighborhoods, which place
racial minority adolescents at greater risk of exposure
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