EDUCATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE!
The relationship between education and social justice is very important. Education plays an important role in realizing social justice. This subject focuses on the issues of justice, equality and inclusion in education. Social justice can be promoted through education which increases the sense of equality and justice in the society. Through education, diverse sections of society and communities get equal opportunities and rights. Apart from this, education can help in combating social inequality, discrimination and other social problems in society. Spreading awareness through education can increase the sense of justice and equality in the society. Thus, there is a deep connection between education and social justice which plays an important role in promoting equality, justice and inclusion in the society.
How to systematically promote social justice in education
Since social justice in education takes two forms – within the educational structure and within the classroom – there are two ways to promote it. The first is to build a school system that promotes equity. This can be done by using methods such as better tracking to ascertain the economic status of students. When schools gather more information about inequities within their system, they are better equipped to deal with it. Tracking is also important for identifying struggling students at risk of dropping out. Resources for these students should be a priority, while tracking can help schools identify how practices are helping or hindering them.
Resources for parents can also help implement social justice within the educational system. Programs like after-school homework clubs and extracurricular activities can help parents who work long hours or speak different languages. Programs also help students who do not have good support at home. Educational systems can also strongly consider scholarships and financial aid, so that income does not become a barrier to accessing certain schools.
How to Promote Social Justice in Education Within the Classroom
When it comes to adopting a social justice framework within the classroom, the responsibility lies with the administration and teachers. Schools committed to social justice must also commit to constant self-reflection. This may include regular workshops and conferences, but also recognize that there is no finish line. It is an ongoing process.
Benefits of Social Justice in Education
The goals of social justice in education include more empathy, more justice, and more equality. Students taught with this framework will ideally have a greater understanding of justice and fairness, and will choose careers and lifestyles that support their communities. Since social justice in education is relatively new, there hasn’t been a lot of research on its benefits, but what has been done is very promising.
