Rutgers University Press Social Justice: Theories, Issues, and Movements (Revised and Expanded Edition) (Critical Issues in Crime and Society)

An eye for an eye, the balance of the scales - for centuries, these and other traditional concepts exemplified the public's perception of justice. Today, popular culture, including television shows like Law and Order, informs the public's vision. But do age-old symbols, portrayals in the media, and existing systems truly represent justice in all of its nuanced forms, or do we need to think beyond these notions? The second edition of Social Justice: Theories, Issues, and Movements responds to the need for a comprehensive introduction to these issues. Theories of social justice are presented in an accessible fashion to encourage engagement of students, activists, and scholars with these important lines of inquiry. Issues are analyzed utilizing various theories for furthering engagement in possibilities. Struggles for justice -- from legal cases to on the ground movements -- are presented for historical context and to inform the way forward. Review This book is a major contribution to the field and sensitizes us to the importance of moving beyond mainstream, narrow conceptions of justice.This book is as provocative as it is path-breaking on a topic that richly deserves to be center stage in the drama of everyday life. Capeheart and Milovanovic set the new standard for understanding the theories, issues and struggles that represent the call for social justice at home and abroad, in our institutions and communities, and throughout our very existences.This new edition effectively updates an all-too-rare book in the criminal justice library. The additions link the book to many contemporary debates that have evolved since it was first published. About the Author LORETTA CAPEHEART is a retired associate professor of justice studies at Northeastern Illinois University. She was the community engagement analyst for a Department of Justice settlement agreement and a college equity officer. She has published on inequities in education and criminal justice. Her activism focuses on immigrant rights, worker rights, and antiracism. DRAGAN MILOVANOVIC, is professor emeritus and Bernard J. Brommel Distinguished Research Professor at Northeastern Illinois University. In addition he has been a college instructor in a jail, a dormitory counselor of incarcerated juveniles, a member of a prison inspection team, and an activist in post-revolutionary Nicaragua (1983-1985). He is author or coauthor of more than twenty-five books.