ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between tragedy and injustice. It does so by drawing attention to social factors that may precipitate tragedy and injustice, as well as to social factors that may also be key in promoting recovery and resilience thereafter. Whether the personal calamity of sudden and unexpected bereavement limited in its effects to the individual and their immediate family, or the widespread loss of life following public disaster, both are tragedies that invoke a sense of injustice. Such injustice may well stem from the perceived randomness of tragedy itself. It may also stem from circumstances in which tragedy was preventable; and it may be further aggravated—in ways that complicate the grieving process—by a failure to hold those responsible to account for negligence or wrongdoing. Social injustice of this sort may thus, paradoxically, serve as a spur to activism and campaigning, while simultaneously serving to hamper healing by disenfranchising the grief of those involved. Sharing the burden of grief by providing social support following tragedy of various kinds, this chapter suggests, can facilitate resilience by demonstrating to those affected—often in very powerful ways—that they are not alone and that other people care.
