Distributive justice is a concept concerned with the fair allocation of resources, benefits, and burdens within a society. It addresses the question of 'who gets what' and on what basis, seeking to establish principles for a just distribution of wealth, income, opportunities, rights, and responsibilities among individuals and groups.

At its core, distributive justice grapples with fundamental moral and ethical questions about fairness, equality, and desert. Different theories of distributive justice propose varying criteria for what constitutes a just distribution:

1. Egalitarianism: Advocates for equal distribution of resources, opportunities, or outcomes. Strict egalitarians might argue for absolute equality of income or wealth, while others might focus on equality of opportunity or basic needs.
2. Utilitarianism: Proposes that resources should be distributed in a way that maximizes overall societal happiness or utility. This approach might justify unequal distributions if they lead to the greatest good for the greatest number, even if some individuals are disadvantaged.
3. Desert-based theories: Argue that distribution should be based on what individuals deserve, often tied to their contributions, effort, or merit. For example, those who work harder or produce more might be deemed to deserve a greater share.
4. Needs-based theories: Suggest that resources should be distributed according to individual needs, ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
5. John Rawls's Theory of Justice: A highly influential theory, Rawls proposes two principles of justice: first, equal basic liberties for all; and second, the 'difference principle,' which states that social and economic inequalities are permissible only if they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society, and if they are attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. This theory emphasizes fairness and protecting the most vulnerable.
6. Robert Nozick's Entitlement Theory: A libertarian perspective, Nozick argues that a distribution is just if it arises from a just acquisition of holdings and just transfers (e.g., voluntary exchanges), regardless of the resulting pattern of distribution. He emphasizes individual rights and minimal state intervention.

In practice, achieving distributive justice involves complex policy decisions regarding taxation, welfare programs, education, healthcare, and labor laws. It often requires balancing competing values such as efficiency, liberty, and equality, and remains a central concern in political philosophy and public policy debates.