Chapter 2: Priests, Progressives, And a Mirage: A Short History of Social Justice

The ideas behind social justice can be polarizing. While some consider it of paramount importance, others associate it with actions, commitments, and policies they oppose. Conflicting ideologies around social justice serve as the heart of many political divisions. Our relationship with these ideas, against the backdrop of a national presidential election in the United States, renders socially just leadership education unavoidable. This state of affairs provides both a challenge and an opportunity for educators. The challenge is to remain honest and forthcoming about the nature and scope of social justice—to avoid the politicization of a moral value for one’s own purposes. The opportunity is to provide students a robust vision for promoting the common good—the true end of social justice.