Research Article

University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders

Volume: 11 Number: 1 March 30, 2026

University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders

Abstract

Social justice refers to the equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights within a society. While it is a commonly held ideal, its realization varies across countries due to differing political, socioeconomic, and geographical conditions, which influence the experience of social injustices. Higher education institutions can play a pivotal role in addressing these injustices and contributing to social transformation through their academic research, educational practices, and the cultivation of civic-minded graduates. This study investigates the relationship between social justice perceptions and socially responsible leadership among university students. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, the research focused on Turkish university students to explore how their understanding of social justice aligns with their readiness to lead responsibly within their communities. The findings indicate that while students demonstrated a strong awareness of and concern for social injustices, prevailing social and cultural norms often constrained them from taking substantial action. This study highlights the necessity of policy initiatives that promote collaboration between the government and universities dedicated to advancing social justice. Such partnerships are essential for empowering students to become proactive agents of change in creating a more equitable society.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Leadership in Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 30, 2026

Submission Date

January 24, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 6, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 1

APA
Erdemir, B., & Yılık, M. A. (2026). University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership, 11(1), 114-160. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1626059
AMA
1.Erdemir B, Yılık MA. University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders. REAL. 2026;11(1):114-160. doi:10.30828/real.1626059
Chicago
Erdemir, Burcu, and Mehmet Ali Yılık. 2026. “University Students As Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11 (1): 114-60. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1626059.
EndNote
Erdemir B, Yılık MA (March 1, 2026) University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11 1 114–160.
IEEE
[1]B. Erdemir and M. A. Yılık, “University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders”, REAL, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 114–160, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.30828/real.1626059.
ISNAD
Erdemir, Burcu - Yılık, Mehmet Ali. “University Students As Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11/1 (March 1, 2026): 114-160. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1626059.
JAMA
1.Erdemir B, Yılık MA. University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders. REAL. 2026;11:114–160.
MLA
Erdemir, Burcu, and Mehmet Ali Yılık. “University Students As Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership, vol. 11, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 114-60, doi:10.30828/real.1626059.
Vancouver
1.Burcu Erdemir, Mehmet Ali Yılık. University Students as Advocates of Social Justice and Socially Responsible Leaders. REAL. 2026 Mar. 1;11(1):114-60. doi:10.30828/real.1626059


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