NCERT Class 11 Political Science Political Theory: Chapter 4 — Social Justice
This chapter, 'Social Justice,' from NCERT's Political Theory for Class 11, explores the concept of justice, comparing it to love in its intuitive understanding and passionate evocation. It distinguishes justice as a concern for societal order and the distribution of social goods and duties, making it central to politics. The chapter delves into historical interpretations of justice across cultures, including ancient Indian dharma, Confucian China, and Plato's Republic. It addresses the common sentiment that injustice might seem more beneficial than justice if one can avoid punishment, a view challenged by Socrates' argument that widespread injustice would lead to insecurity and harm everyone. The chapter emphasizes that understanding justice is crucial for recognizing its importance and that true justice involves the well-being of all, not just personal gain or harming enemies. It sets the stage for understanding distributive justice and rational arguments for a fair society.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Political Theory |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Social Justice |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 615 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify principles of justice across different societies and times.
- Explain the meaning of distributive justice.
- Discuss rational arguments for a fair and just society.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Justice | The principle of fairness and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. |
| Dharma | In ancient Indian tradition, associated with righteousness, duty, and maintaining a just social order. |
| Distributive Justice | Concerns the fair allocation of resources, opportunities, and burdens among members of a society. |
| Social Goods | Benefits and resources available in society, such as wealth, opportunities, and rights. |
| Social Duties | Obligations and responsibilities individuals have towards society. |
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Practice questions
- How was justice associated with dharma in ancient Indian society? Answer: In ancient Indian society, justice was linked to dharma, and maintaining dharma was considered a king's primary duty to ensure a just social order.
- What did Confucius argue kings should do to maintain justice? Answer: Confucius argued that kings should maintain justice by punishing wrongdoers and rewarding the virtuous.
- According to Glaucon, why do people agree to laws and covenants? Answer: Glaucon suggests people agree to laws and covenants because they find doing injustice to be naturally good and suffering injustice to be evil, and they prefer to avoid both by mutual agreement.
- What is the core idea of distributive justice? Answer: Distributive justice is concerned with how social goods and social duties are distributed among different members of society.
Practice MCQs
Q1. In ancient Indian society, justice was primarily associated with:
Explanation: The text explicitly states that in ancient Indian society, justice was associated with dharma.
Q2. Who discussed issues of justice in his book 'The Republic'?
Explanation: Plato discussed issues of justice in his book 'The Republic' through a dialogue involving Socrates.
Q3. According to the text, justice concerns our life in:
Explanation: The chapter states that justice concerns our life in society and the way public life is ordered.
Q4. What does Socrates argue is in our own long-term interest?
Explanation: Socrates clarified that it is in everyone's long-term interest to obey laws and be just to ensure security.
Q5. Which concept deals with the fair allocation of resources and opportunities?
Explanation: Distributive justice is defined as concerning the fair allocation of social goods and duties among society's members.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between love and justice as discussed in the chapter?
While both love and justice evoke passionate responses and are intuitively understood, love relates to personal relationships, whereas justice concerns the ordering of public life and the distribution of social goods and duties in society.
How was justice viewed in ancient Indian society?
In ancient Indian society, justice was associated with dharma, and maintaining dharma was considered a king's primary duty for a just social order.
What is the core argument presented by Glaucon regarding justice?
Glaucon argues that people find doing injustice naturally good and suffering injustice evil, leading them to agree to laws and covenants to avoid both, suggesting injustice is preferable if one can get away with it.
What is Socrates' counter-argument to Glaucon's view on injustice?
Socrates argues that if everyone were to be unjust, no one would be secure, and this would ultimately harm all members of society, making it in everyone's long-term interest to be just.
What does 'distributive justice' refer to?
Distributive justice refers to the principles and practices concerning the fair distribution of social goods (like wealth and opportunities) and social duties (like responsibilities and burdens) among the members of a society.
Why is justice considered central to politics?
Justice is central to politics because it concerns the way public life is ordered and the principles by which social goods and duties are distributed among society's members.
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NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Political Theory — Chapter 4 — Social Justice. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.