Why Global Justice Matters

While many are born into prosperity, hundreds of millions of people lead lives of almost unimaginable poverty. Our world remains hugely unequal, with our place of birth continuing to exert a major influence on our opportunities. In this accessible book, leading political theorist Chris Armstrong engagingly examines the key moral and political questions raised by this stark global divide. Why, as a citizen of a relatively wealthy country, should you care if others have to make do with less? Do we have a moral duty to try to rectify this state of affairs? What does 'global justice' mean anyway - and why does it matter? Could we make our world a more just one even if we tried? Can you as an individual make a difference? This book powerfully demonstrates that global justice is something we should all be concerned about, and sketches a series of reforms that would make our divided world a fairer one. It will be essential introductory reading for students of global justice, activists and concerned citizens.

Preface vi 1 What is the Problem? 23 Living in Poverty A World of Difference Local Problems? Conclusion Notes 2 Why Should You Care? 42 The Globalization of Concern Charity, Justice and Rights The Goal(s) of Global Justice: Reducing Poverty and Inequality Making Sacrifices: Capacity and Contribution to the Problem Conclusion Notes 3 What Can Be Done? 66 Progress in a Divided World Is Global Justice Feasible? Reforms What Can I Do? Notes 112 Index 137