Other meanings of Social justice
Academic Journal
Social Justice is a peer-reviewed academic journal covering research on social justice, inequality, and social movements. Published by Crime and Social Justice Associates, it was established in 1974 as Crime and Social Justice and adopted its current name in 1988. The journal is known for its critical, interdisciplinary approach, addressing topics such as criminal justice, human rights, and political economy.
Social Justice began in 1974 as Crime and Social Justice, a journal focused on radical criminology and the intersection of crime, law, and social inequality. It was founded by scholars associated with the School of Criminology at the University of California, Berkeley, during a period of intense political activism. In 1988, the journal broadened its scope and changed its name to Social Justice to reflect a wider engagement with global social movements, human rights, and economic justice.
The journal is published by Crime and Social Justice Associates and has been based in San Francisco, California. It is indexed in major databases and has a reputation for publishing critical, activist-oriented scholarship that challenges mainstream policy approaches.
The journal emphasizes a critical, interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on sociology, criminology, political science, and law. It regularly features special issues on topics such as mass incarceration, police violence, immigration, environmental justice, and neoliberal globalization. The editorial board includes prominent scholars and activists who prioritize work that connects academic analysis with social change.
Unlike many mainstream journals, Social Justice often publishes essays, interviews, and book reviews alongside traditional research articles. This format allows for a broader range of voices, including community organizers and independent researchers. The journal has been particularly influential in the development of critical criminology and the study of state repression.
Over its history, Social Justice has been a platform for controversial and groundbreaking work. It published early critiques of the war on drugs and the prison-industrial complex, and it has consistently highlighted the racial and class dimensions of criminal justice policy. The journal has also faced challenges, including funding instability and debates over its editorial direction.
In the 1990s, the journal was involved in a notable dispute with the California State University system over academic freedom, which underscored its commitment to independent scholarship. Despite these challenges, it remains a respected outlet for critical research and is often cited in policy discussions and academic literature.
One lesser-known fact is that the journal's early issues were heavily influenced by the Berkeley School of Criminology, which was shut down in 1976 amid political pressure. The journal continued as an independent venture, preserving the school's radical legacy. Another notable detail is that the journal has published special issues on topics rarely covered elsewhere, such as the politics of memory and settler colonialism.
The journal also maintains a close relationship with the Global Justice Movement, and its editors have participated in international forums like the World Social Forum. Additionally, Social Justice has a unique policy of allowing authors to retain copyright, which was ahead of its time in academic publishing.
This article is about the academic journal. For the broader concept, see Social justice.
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