This module critically interrogates the question “What was, what is, and what should be the relationship between education and social justice?”
Social justice is often one of a government’s popular mantras, but opinions are divided on the role schools should play. Introducing students to key aspects and perspectives about social justice and education, this module will 1) critically consider what is meant by the concept of social justice, 2) explore key theoretical and philosophical ideas around issues of inequality and social justice, 3) explore the way social scientists conceive, measure, and explain educational inequity, and 4) explore the barriers involved in trying to enact socially just practices in education policy.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Draw upon key research, policy and contemporary thought to provide an overview of inequalities in education that exist and persist – both historically and presently.
Outline the key critiques and defences of current levels of education inequity in a specific context from a social justice perspective.
Critically evaluate and assess the impact of key current government policies on reducing educational inequalities.
Outline the difficulties involved in trying to enact socially just practices in education policy, identifying what else could be done to help bring about social justice via the education system.
