Coordination: Reyes Hernández-Castilla
Social Justice is a complex and a highly political and changing concept. It reflects our vision of society, our dreams and wishes for a better world. Perhaps that is why we are seduced by Griffiths’ (2003) idea of considering Social Justice as a verb: that is, a dynamic project, never completed, finished or achieved once and for all: it must always be subject for reflection and improvement.
In essence, three concepts are at the base of Social Justice: Redistribution of material and cultural resources or primary goods, recognition and cultural respect of each and every one of the people, in the existence of fair relationships within the society, as participation in decisions that affect their own lives, that is, ensure that people are able to have an active and equitable participation in society.
Education for Social Justice implies that it will achieve: a) a better distribution of resources and supports that, through positive discrimination, grant greater possibilities of development to the most disadvantaged students; b) a recognition and assessment of the diversity of students, identifying the structures, cultures, attitudes and oppressions that operate in the configuration of differences or inequalities; and c) a greater participation and representation of students traditionally excluded from public spheres in schools, in order to know their learning and life needs.
Gender equality, the achievement of an intercultural education and respect for a citizenship built by and for all, are aspects that define and shape an education for Social Justice. Without forgetting the great influence that public policies have on the current state of education, an education for Social Justice requires policies that facilitate a quality education that achieves an integral development of each and every one of the students, taking into account their performance and your starting conditions.
Research Schools for Social Justice of GICE develops several lines of work linked to this issue:
- Public policies in Education for Social Justice.
- Schools for Social Justice.
- Leadership for Social Justice.
- Teaching for and from Social Justice.
- Educational Evaluation for Social Justice.
