Exploring Social Justice, Diversity, and Learning in Education

This essay delves into the critical issues of social justice, diversity, and learning within the education system. It begins by defining social justice and highlighting the challenges of racial and ethnic discrimination faced by students, particularly in the United Kingdom. The essay explores the impacts of such discrimination, including its psychological effects, the unequal distribution of resources, and its influence on teaching practices. It examines the theoretical framework of fairness and equity in social relationships to understand these issues. Furthermore, the paper discusses the forces of power that perpetuate discrimination and their consequences, such as the creation of stereotypes and the limitation of opportunities for certain groups. The essay concludes by suggesting awareness policies, including self-awareness, professional development, relevant teaching, and community partnerships, to combat discrimination and foster a more equitable learning environment. This assignment provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of social injustice in education and offers potential solutions for creating a more inclusive and just educational system.

Reading Head: DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING
0
Sociology
March 31
2020

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 1
Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
1. Social Justice Issue.............................................................................................................2
2. Social Injustice....................................................................................................................3
3. Theoretical Framework.......................................................................................................4
4. Impacts of Forces of Power................................................................................................5
5. Impact on Teaching............................................................................................................6
6. Awareness Policies.............................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................9

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 2
Introduction
Education is considered to be an important part of the life of a student. Education should
be accessible to every student without any discrimination. Education should be provided in
the best possible manner so that it can help build the career of students. Resources of
education should also be equally distributed among students. But it has been noticed that
there is racial and ethnic discrimination that have to be faced by people. Racial discrimination
leads to many problems in students. It can also affect the students mentally a psychically.
Government and teachers should take some corrective measures to solve this issue that is
faced by students in schools and affecting students.
In this discussion a theoretical framework to understand these issues will also be
presented to have a clear understanding of the topic. Many forces lead to these issues. The
explanation of these forces will also be presented.
1. Social Justice Issue
The field of education is changing and developing at a rapid rate. The role of education is
very wide and it plays a major role in the development of the career of a student. Social
Justice refers to the concept through which equal education can be provided to all students
(Papendieck, 2018). It also helps in reducing the inequalities that are been faced by the
students. There are many types of issues that can be faced by students in schools. These
issues are ethnic and social issue, gender discrimination, social control and disruption of
power, social stratification and many more. All these issues are considered to be the major
issues that can affect students’ severely. One of the issues that students are facing are as
follows:
Ethnic and Racial Discrimination

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 3
According to a press release it has been observed that there are many ways through which
teachers discriminate among students. Racial discrimination is one of the major
discrimination that has to be faced by students in the United Kingdom. Black and Minority
Ethnic students face three times more discrimination than white students. The government
should take some responsibility to eradicate this discrimination as it leads to many problems.
Because of racism, many opportunities are lost by students (Education International, 2017).
This discrimination arises because teachers in schools give different treatment to students that
belong from black minority community. Their situation is covered under an act called as
Equality Act. According to this every student have equal right to education and its resources.
There are many ways by which discrimination can be done. These ways are direct
discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, In the United States
Census Bureau uses five categories for discrimination. These categories are White, Black or
African, American or Indians, Asians and Hawaiian. These are the main classifications under
which discrimination is practiced in general terms.
Ethnic discrimination is based on different cultural factors. These factors are language,
customs, religions, customs and beliefs. People of every country follow different religion and
customs and discrimination against that factor is an unethical behaviour. In the United
Kingdom this type of discrimination is also faced by students and teachers in colleges and
schools. Teachers of schools should also not involve in this type of discrimination. Instead
they should teach students to respect diversity and treat every student equally.
2. Social Injustice
This is considered to be a major problem in social injustice because it gives rise to many
problems in the life of a student. It can be seen that schools are also involved in social
injustice and as a result of that many students have to face discrimination. It becomes difficult

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 4
for students to survive in that environment and there are also fewer opportunities for them
and their growth and development. The issue that is mentioned above is the common types of
injustice that is been faced by students in schools. Discrimination also leads to a lack of
proper resources and teaching and learning are also affected by these issues. This type of
discrimination also influences the minds of students Because of social injustice; many
students are not been able to have adequate resources for education. Children that are
belonging from different country or culture can also not access to resources that are required
for learning. Many teachers are also responsible for this type of injustice. This can influence
the behaviour of students towards each other and they will not behave in proper and socially
acceptable behaviour (Pickett, 2018). These behaviours may also affect their students and
schools. It is very essential for teachers to have behaviour management in their classes. As a
result of that they can control the behaviour of students effectively and efficiently.
3. Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework that can be used in ethnic and racial discrimination is
“Fairness and equity in social relationships”. There is new kind of theoretical framework that
is being required for social injustice in education. According to this framework all students
should be provided with equal opportunities and resources of learning. Since students are
facing a lot of inequality in schools they can suffer from physical and mental stress. These
social injustices are included inequality in schools are becoming unhelpful and social justice
is lacking; theories are based on liberalization and it should be considered in terms of
housing, health, and welfare. Every student is liable for adequate resources for education.
There should be justice among students in schooling they should not be judged or
discriminated according to their social, geographical or racial status. This framework also

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 5
helps in developing human dignity, self-determination, and well-being so that justice can be
provided to every student (Morris, 2002).
4. Impacts of Forces of Power
Racial and ethnic discrimination is impacted by “Social power of forces”. In education
system of the United Kingdom many black students are not able to access adequate learning
tools and resources. This can also create a stereotype in the mind of students regarding black
students. The main of education is to provide positive impacts on students but because of
discrimination in school, it is having negative impacts. This discrimination can also impact
the psychological behaviour of students. This can also cause chronic stress in the mind of a
student (Burt, Simons, & Gibbons, 2012).
Because of racial discrimination, a black student also does not have equal opportunities
for learning. They are also provided with beginner career teachers and white students are
provided with experienced teachers so that they can develop their learning skills. Racial
discriminations also affect the behaviour of students because they will also discriminate
amongst their classmates and they will also not behave according to social norms with black
students. This can also create a stereotype in the minds of students. Not only student’s
teachers are also discriminating students on their racial differences. White students are given
priority for every academic function (American Psychological Association , 2020).
The government of the United Kingdom needs to raise awareness in schools regarding
this issue. The government should also take some strict actions to eradicate discrimination as
it is related to the career of students. This will also impact severely in the minds of students
and it may lead to some problems in the future. There are times when students face
depression and they will also lack confidence and this may also affect them in future.

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 6
Students will also not able to focus on studies and it may also affect their capacity of
learning.
5. Impact on Teaching
Children are those who are facing discrimination in schools do not have the proper and
adequate resources of teaching aids. This may also create problems for teachers because they
will not be able to teach those students effectively. Teaching practices will be interrupted
because of such discrimination. There are chances that students who are facing discrimination
in school are in mental and physical stress and because of that; they may be lacking their
focus from studies. This also impacts teaching because they will not be able to learn
efficiently. This may affect the capacity of the student as well as teachers (Study.com, 2017).
Many teachers are involved in discrimination and they gave priority to white students this
may also affect the capability of students. Through this practice, the student will also earn
and influence by discrimination. In the future, there are chances that they will also involve in
practicing discrimination among people. This type of teaching impacts negatively. Teachers
should not involve themselves in discrimination and they should also create awareness among
students for not practicing any discrimination. By this, there can be positive impacts of
teaching among students. Proper actions are taken against students who are practicing
discrimination (Hemshall, 1994).
Teaching can be effective if all the students are focused on studies and they did not have
any stress. Teachers can also implement such policies in class that may help reduce or
eradicate discrimination amongst students.

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 7
6. Awareness Policies
There are several ways through which schools can create awareness to stop discrimination
practices. Some of the policies are as follows:
a) Self-Awareness
The first step that can be taken by schools in stopping racism is by creating self-
awareness. Teachers should recognize the impact that students are having because of social
injustice practices. Teachers should understand the impact that can be caused because of
discrimination among students (BENNETT, 2020).
b) Professional Development
Professional development can also eradicate discrimination among students as it will
create more learning opportunities. This type of development can also help in focusing on
relevant teaching and learning, methods. Positive teaching method can enhance the education
about diversity and dignity. It can also create awareness among students to not practice any
injustice behaviour (Kudia, 2017).
c) Relevant teaching
Teachers are responsible for creating an environment that can have some positive impacts
on students. They are also responsible for teaching relevant subjects and social behaviour to
students. Knowledge of proper culture and behaviour can also eradicate discrimination from
the society. Culture teaching can also help students in providing in-depth knowledge and this
will create a better understanding of diversity among students. By this students will also
develop knowledge regarding different cultures and they will also be able to respect their
other classmates (Lead SA, 2015).
d) Community Partnerships

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 8
The effects of community partnerships can affect racism practice among students. Once
students learn about racism they can go outside and interact with other students. This can
enhance social behaviour among students. Schools must involve in partnership with
community centres because by implementing different activities they will combat issues of
racism and equality in the community. Social justice is also important to prevent racism.
Students will also be able to learn about different cultures and diversity that are practiced by
different people.

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 9
References
American Psychological Association . (2020). Physiological & Psychological Impact of
Racism and Discrimination for African-Americans. Retrieved 04 01, 2020, from
American Psychological Association :
https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/ethnicity-health/racism-stress
BENNETT, N. A. (2020). 6 Ways to Prevent Racism in Schools. Retrieved 04 01, 2020, from
Kickboard Blog: https://www.kickboardforschools.com/blog/post/6-ways-to-prevent-
racism-in-schools
Burt, C. H., Simons, R. L., & Gibbons, F. X. (2012, 08). Racial Discrimination, Ethnic-
Racial Socialization, and Crime: A Micro-sociological Model of Risk and Resilience.
Retrieved 04 01, 2020, from American sociological review:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777442/#!po=0.781250
Education International. (2017, 10 11). UK: Racial discrimination is a reality in schools and
classrooms. Retrieved 03 31, 2020, from Education International: https://www.ei-
ie.org/en/detail/15446/uk-racial-discrimination-is-a-reality-in-schools-and-classrooms
Gina. (2019, 08 31). Gender Inequality in the British Education System. Retrieved 03 31,
2020, from GenderTrust.org.uk: http://www.gendertrust.org.uk/gender-inequality-in-
the-british-education-system/
Hemshall, H. (1994). Anti-Discriminatory Practice Teaching: What Should We Provide?
Probation Journal, 41(1), 8-13.
Kudia, M. (2017, 04 05). TEACHING STUDENTS HOW TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT A
PROBLEM. Retrieved 04 01, 2020, from Heart :

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 10
https://teachheart.org/2017/04/05/teaching-students-how-to-raise-awareness-about-a-
problem/
Lead SA. (2015, 03 19). Raise awareness against racism on Human Rights Day - AKF.
Retrieved 04 01, 2020, from Lead SA: https://www.leadsa.co.za/articles/6697/raise-
awareness-against-racism-on-human-rights-day-akf
Lumen. (2020). The Conflict Perspective on Education. Retrieved 03 31, 2020, from Lumen:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-sociology/chapter/the-conflict-
perspective-on-education/
Morris, P. M. (2002). The Capabilities Perspective: A Framework for Social Justice. The
Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 83(4), 365-373.
Mostafa, T. (2015, 05 07). Social Stratification and Educational Inequalities. Retrieved 03
31, 2020, from UCL:
https://pages.pedf.cuni.cz/uvrv/files/2015/05/Mostafa_Tarek_07_05_15.pdf
Papendieck, A. S. (2018, 04). Technology for Equity and Social Justice in Education: A
Critical Issue Overview. Retrieved 03 31, 2020, from Research Gate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325020339_Technology_for_Equity_and_S
ocial_Justice_in_Education_A_Critical_Issue_Overview
Parker , J. (2018, 09 14). Deconstructing Disruption in the Classroom. Retrieved 03 31,
2020, from Editorial Projects in Education:
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/everyday_equity/2018/09/deconstructing_disruption
_in_t.html
Pickett, K. (2018, 10 30). Inequality of education in the UK among highest of rich nations.
Retrieved 04 01, 2020, from The Conversation Media Group Ltd:

DIVERSITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND LEARNING 11
https://theconversation.com/inequality-of-education-in-the-uk-among-highest-of-rich-
nations-105519
Study.com. (2017, 12 05). Discriminatory Practices in Education: Identification &
Minimization. Retrieved 04 01, 2020, from Study.com:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/discriminatory-practices-in-education-
identification-minimization.html