Social Justice

The article I chose was from the Nation Education Associate, and it focuses on defining social justice, the main issues of social justice, and strategies of addressing social justice with students. The article defines social justice as “a concept in which equity or justice is achieved in every aspect of society rather than in only some aspects or for some people.” I think this definition provides a clear explanation on what social justice is because it highlights that social justice is met when everyone socially has equality. The article also mentions that because not everyone in society is born equal social status to each other. There are people in our society who have more advantages than others, so with social justice it helps share or distribute more opportunities to those who don’t have the same advantages, and this helps society become “equitable and all members and physically and psychologically safe and secure.”

The article points out that “the absence of social justice results in social oppression. Racism, sexism, ageism, classism, ableism, and heterosexism are some forms of social oppression in society.” With social oppression is could lead to “exclusion, discrimination, inequitable distribution of resources, and emotional and physical consequences.”

However, the article listed strategies to achieve social justice. The one that was most important to me was “focus on diversity – awareness of the diversity in communities is critical to fostering social justice”, and I think this one is really important because we live in a society that is so incredibly diverse, and it’s important to let our students know they should embrace their diversity and be proud of their culture. As a future teacher, I want to let me students know that they are all equally important to each other regardless of class, gender, race, etcetera. I think by showing students that I embrace my own diversity and culture will show them that it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace their own.

http://www.nea.org/tools/30414.htm