ETHICAL AND MORAL DIMENSIONS OF JUSTICE IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES SYSTEM

Résumé

The principle of justice constitutes a foundational pillar in the architecture of social service systems, functioning not merely as a regulatory or procedural guideline but as an ethical and moral compass that shapes both policy implementation and professional conduct. In contemporary societies, where social disparities, resource scarcity, and systemic inequities are increasingly pronounced, the integration of justice as an ethical framework in social services assumes heightened significance. This article undertakes a comprehensive examination of the ethical and moral dimensions of justice within social service provision, emphasizing the interrelation between normative ethical theories, professional ethical codes, and the practical realities of service delivery. By analyzing justice through the lenses of deontological, consequentialist, and virtue ethics paradigms, the study elucidates how social service practitioners can navigate moral dilemmas, prioritize equitable outcomes, and reconcile organizational constraints with ethical imperatives. Furthermore, the research highlights the socio-philosophical underpinnings of justice, exploring its role in fostering social cohesion, protecting vulnerable populations, and promoting human dignity within the administrative and operational structures of social services. The discussion integrates theoretical perspectives with empirical insights, demonstrating that ethical adherence to justice principles enhances the legitimacy, efficacy, and moral credibility of social service systems. Ultimately, the study argues that the sustained operationalization of justice requires a dual focus: cultivating individual moral competence among practitioners and institutionalizing ethical norms that align with societal values and legal mandates, thereby ensuring that social services function as instruments of equitable societal transformation..