In this unit, students are introduced to religious, spiritual and ethical principles as they consider a range of social justice issues. They consider the quality of human life and human dignity as they learn about equality and equity across the world and in Australia. Students explore how religious, spiritual and ethical principles influence perceptions and judgments, and how moral decision making is related to structures in society. Students can explore a range of social justice issues, for example, issues related to race, gender, age, religion, nationality, education, mental or physical ability, asylum, incarceration and employment.
The study of perspectives related to social justice issues enables students to open their minds to new points of view and different groups and structures in society. In this unit, students contemplate religious, spiritual and ethical principles and practices, for example:
• the concept of human dignity and its expression and attainment in various communities
• social conscience and its underlying influences, e.g. the Golden Rule, traditional lore • religious moral codes and guidelines
• pathways toward a just society through practices such as reconciliation, forgiveness and restorative justice
• approaches for analysing social situations and making ethical decisions, e.g. utilitarian (greatest good), rights, justice/fairness, common good
• decision-making frameworks and models for putting justice into action.
Explain religious, spiritual and ethical principles and practices related to social justice.
Examine religious, spiritual and ethical information related to social justice.
Apply knowledge to inform religious, spiritual and ethical views about social justice.
Communicate responses.
Evaluate a project.
Students will explain their own understanding of religious, spiritual and ethical principles and practices related to social justice.
Students will examine religious, spiritual and ethical information related to social justice.
Students will apply knowledge to inform religious, spiritual and ethical views about social justice.
Students will know religious, spiritual and ethical principles and practices related to social justice.
Students will know religious, spiritual and ethical information related to social justice.
Students will inform religious, spiritual and ethical views about social justice.
Describe
quality of life
social and structural inequalities across and within groups.
What does Social Justice Mean to You?
What does Social justice Mean to You
The principles of right and wrong refer to the moral guidelines that dictate behaviours and decisions. These principles are often shaped by cultural, religious, and philosophical beliefs, and they help individuals and societies determine what actions are considered morally acceptable or unacceptable. Concepts such as honesty, fairness, respect for others, and the avoidance of harm are commonly regarded as foundational to distinguishing right from wrong. Ethical frameworks, including utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, offer different perspectives on how to navigate moral dilemmas and make ethical choices.
Human dignity is the inherent worth and value possessed by every individual by virtue of their humanity. It encompasses the idea that all people deserve to be treated with respect, fairness, and compassion, regardless of their background, characteristics, or circumstances. As a human right, human dignity forms the foundation of various international declarations and treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Upholding human dignity involves recognizing and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of individuals, ensuring their physical and psychological well-being, and promoting equality and inclusivity in all aspects of society.
Social justice refers to the pursuit of equality, fairness, and the distribution of resources and opportunities in society. It involves identifying and addressing systemic injustices, discrimination, and inequalities that perpetuate social disparities based on factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and ability. Equity goes beyond mere equality by recognizing and addressing the diverse needs and circumstances of individuals, aiming to provide everyone with the necessary support and resources to thrive. Fairness entails impartiality and justice in decision-making processes, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and are treated equitably. Empathy, meanwhile, involves understanding and sharing the feelings and perspectives of others, which is essential for fostering compassion, solidarity, and meaningful social change.
Explain - the principles of
right and wrong
human dignity as a human right
social justice, equity, fairness and empathy
the similarities and differences between social justice and legal justice -
how people consider and apply truth and justice to make sense of the world
how the process of moral decision-making is influenced by a range of factors
how religious, spiritual, moral and ethical codes can influence decision-making
how perspectives may be elevated or hidden during public discussion of issues
various approaches and perspectives when prioritising conflicting social justice principles.
Apply knowledge to make decisions that inform religious, spiritual and ethical views in a range of contexts.
Don't put People in Boxes
Pervasive injustice has society at a turning point. Every individual has a choice to make - you can either stand with me and fight for social justice, or you can stay on the sidelines silently supporting the systems that perpetuate the inequality, violence, and poverty that plague our world. This talk highlights some of the most critical social justice issues of our time and calls on everyone to stand up and play a part in changing the world.
For National Teacher of the Year Sydney Chaffee, teaching is a political act. She has been traveling the country urging all teachers to make social justice a central part of their mission. Talking to students about justice can't be a niche for certain kinds of teachers or certain schools. When students understand inequity and have the tools to work towards a more just world, they see why their education truly matters.
Kimberlé Crenshaw uses the term "intersectionality" to describe this phenomenon; as she says, if you're standing in the path of multiple forms of exclusion, you're likely to get hit by both. In this moving talk, she calls on us to bear witness to this reality and speak up for victims of prejudice.
On February 10, 2015, Suzanne Barakat's brother Deah, her sister-in-law Yusor and Yusor's sister Razan were murdered by their neighbor in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The perpetrator's story, that he killed them over a traffic dispute, went unquestioned by the media and police until Barakat spoke out at a press conference, calling the murders what they really were: hate crimes. As she reflects on how she and her family reclaimed control of their narrative, Barakat calls on us to speak up when we witness hateful bigotry and express our allyship with those who face discrimination.
Three female African-American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn's launch into orbit. Meanwhile, they also have to deal with racial and gender discrimination at work.
Dr Don Shirley is a world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation.
Is reconciliation between Australia's Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples possible? Cally Jetta maintains that it is not. Instead, she proposes that to build a harmonious future, we need to think differently and address our nation's history honestly.
Cally Jetta is passionate about Aboriginal education and working with at-risk teens. She lives in Mandurah on Noongar country and has taught secondary students for 10 years.
The Sunshine Coast is our home, but the uncomfortable truth is that racism exists in our communities.
Alongside community, Council has launched a region-wide campaign calling on our community to #DoTheWork to end racism.
It is up to all of us to eliminate racism in all forms.
Consider the quality of human life and human dignity aacross the world and in Australia in the cotext of mental or physical abilty.
Council's community groups directory is a free online community directory for local groups including not-for-profit organisations, local artists and small creative businesses, sports clubs, and government services
A revolutionary pilot project focused on inclusivity and mobility will change the way our community travels across some popular areas of the Sunshine Coast.
Using modern mapping-technology, wheelchairs have been turned into mapping tools with specially trained local “pilots” and devices installed to track routes from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba.
Council partnered with Briometrix and Spinal Life Australia to undertake the project – both leading providers of technology solutions for people with disabilities.