Essay – There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless
There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless Essay: India has been a nation with a stratified society since the ancient ages. The ‘Early Vedic Period’ that lasted between 1500 to 800 BCE classified the erstwhile united Indian society into castes of Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishyas and Shudras on the basis of occupation and the contribution of individuals in society. Brahmins were the priests, Kshatriyas were the warriors, Vaishyas were tradesmen and merchants and Shudras referred to unskilled labourers. The ‘Varna’ system in the Early Vedic Age was a means to ensure social stability facilitating economic prosperity uniformly among all classes.
Discussion
The ‘Later Vedic Age’ in India began from 1000 BCE to 500 BCE. The period was marked by a widening of the differences between each caste as the basis of classification of society was the origin of birth replacing the old classification on the basis of occupation. For instance, a child born to a Brahmin family would be assigned the caste of Brahmin irrespective of his being engaged in the occupation of the priesthood. Social justice refers to the principle of society where each individual is treated uniformly, given equal opportunities and rewarded according to the quality and quantity of their contribution to society. For instance, an individual from a rural background should be rewarded the same amount of money for the occupation of a driver as an individual from an urban area if both provide equal efficiency and longevity of work. Economic prosperity refers to a society’s economic development, financial security and competitiveness. Social justice and Economic prosperity are inextricable facets of society and are parameters for analysis of the society’s progress.
The aforementioned quote, “There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless” signifies the fact social justice and economic prosperity are interrelated to one another, however, they are not interdependent.
For instance, the Indian Constitution maintains social justice by granting Fundamental Rights of Equality concerning the right to access equal educational and employment opportunities in Articles 14 and 15 of Part III of the Constitution. The constitution states that social justice cannot be achieved without economic and political justice being done to the erstwhile backward castes of the nation. Social Justice cannot be established if all citizens of the society are not perceived as equal before the rule of law. The ‘Reservation System’ meant to integrate the erstwhile Social Castes, SocialTribes and Other Backward Classes in mainstream society was a major stride by the Indian drafters to make every economic and educational opportunity available to the individuals belonging to these sections of society. In the year 2019, economic justice such as equal pay for equal work was initiated by the 103rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution. Thus, social justice cannot be ensured without proper economic opportunities. In contrast, progress in economic development does not guarantee social justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social justice and economic prosperity are two inextricable and significant aspects of democracy that determine the degree of success of the development of society in general and the improvement of the human condition in particular. The two aspects are parameters that help in measuring the welfare of society. Economic prosperity is essential for material needs while social justice ensures dignity and self-respect for individuals in society.
FAQS
Q1. Which period is considered as Early Vedic Age?
Ans: The ‘Early Vedic Period’ lasted between 1500 to 800 BCE in India.
Q2. What was the ‘Varna’ system?
Ans: The ‘Varna’ system classified the Indian society into castes of Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishyas and Shudras on the basis of occupation and the contribution of individuals in society. Brahmins were the priests, Kshatriyas were the warriors, Vaishyas were tradesmen and merchants and Shudras referred to unskilled labourers.