Simply put, social justice in education refers to
a commitment to challenging social, cultural, and economic inequalities imposed on individuals arising from any differential distribution of power, resources
, and privilege.
When factors like wealth, gender and/or race determine what kind of education an individual can receive
, that’s an example of social injustice. … Schools committed to social justice in education pay close attention to their choice of curriculum and how it can be used to expand their students’ minds.
Over time, students learn to look at current and historical events – even their own actions – through the lens of social justice. They
spot discrimination and inequality
. All this leads to better decision-making as adults. Opponents say social justice enforces a standard of ideas for what is fair or not fair.
Social justice is the view that
everyone deserves to enjoy the same economic, political and social rights
, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender or other characteristics. Teaching social justice in the classroom is crucial for preparing young people to become responsible global citizens in the 21st century.
Educators can promote social justice in the classroom by
increasing students’ awareness of social justice issues
. Educators can do this through a number of channels: Incorporating social media into classroom discussions.
Why Is Social Justice Important? Social justice
promotes fairness and equity across many aspects of society
. For example, it promotes equal economic, educational and workplace opportunities. It’s also important to the safety and security of individuals and communities.
- Voting rights. Exercising the right to vote is one of the social justice issues prioritized by the National Association of Social Workers. …
- Climate justice. …
- Healthcare. …
- Refugee crisis. …
- Racial Injustice. …
- Income Gap. …
- Gun Violence. …
- Hunger and food insecurity.
- Examine your beliefs and habits. …
- Educate yourself about social justice issues. …
- Discover your local organizations. …
- Take positive action in your own community. …
- Harness the power of social media. …
- Attend demonstrations and protests. …
- Volunteer. …
- Donate.
“Social justice is
the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities
. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need.” National Association of Social Workers. “Social justice encompasses economic justice.
Social justice:
full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs
. A vision of society in which the distribution of resources is equitable and all members of a space, community, or institution, or society are physically and psychologically safe and secure. (
Racial equality
Racial inequality
is one of the most common social justice issues in the world. Most states have a history of racial discrimination and prejudice of some kind. It affects a racial group’s ability to find work, get access to healthcare, and receive an equal education.
The five main principles of social justice include
access to resources, equity, participation, diversity, and human rights
.
The principles of social justice are an essential part of effective health promotion. There are four interrelated principles of social justice;
equity, access, participation and rights
.
Social justice
assigns the rights and duties in the institutions of our society
, which enables people to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation. Social justice helps us work toward celebrating diversity in our communities and country.
- Poverty and Homelessness. Poverty and homelessness are worldwide problems. …
- Climate Change. A warmer, changing climate is a threat to the entire world. …
- Overpopulation. …
- Immigration Stresses. …
- Civil Rights and Racial Discrimination. …
- Gender Inequality. …
- Health Care Availability. …
- Childhood Obesity.
- Poverty. More than 70 percent of the people in the world own less than $10,000 — or roughly 3 percent of total wealth in the world. …
- Religious Conflict & War. …
- Political Polarization. …
- Government Accountability. …
- Education. …
- Food and Water. …
- Health in Developing Nations. …
- Credit Access.