Social justice theory in public administration: A review of critical perspectives in public administration

Social justice conversations have always been present within the study and practice of public administration. However, as a theoretical approach, social justice has just recently been explicitly named and integrated as a fundamental element. Critical theories - including Critical Race Theory, Black Feminist Theory, Queer Theory, Power and Privilege - introduce the voices, perspectives, and teachings of those who have largely been ignored as intellectuals and contributors to theory development and as such, marginalized in academic institutions and the body of academic literature, broadly. This chapter focuses on these theories and their role in the study and practice of public administration.