1. Unit Two: Identity and Social Justice

2. Objective & ”Big” Idea:
How does identity influence an individual’s freedom and their access to societal benefits?

3. Social Justice
The full participation and inclusion of all people in society.
Protection of legal, civil, and human rights
Goal is to achieve a just and equitable society where all share the prosperity of that society
Achieved individually and collaboratively thought social action

4. Identity Sense of self, acceptance, belonging, and citizenship
Evolving and changing
Migration
Media
Technology
Cultural Pluralism (smaller groups maintaining their identities while being part of a whole)
Social Justice and identity intersect when:
one group’s identity is diminished, or in conflict with another group
A group is able to dominate another group

5. Freedom: Two Types Freedom From/Negative Freedom:
Freedom from interference by other people, other groups in society so that an individual can reach their potential.
Societal expectations, violence, pressure to conform, economic pressure

6. Positive Freedom/ Free to:
Presence of power and ability
Able to be autonomous, make your own decisions
Reach your potential

7. Discussion
In your groups discuss the following and be prepared to share the results of your discussion
To what extent are individuals responsible for their material success?
Somewhat?
Almost completely?

8. Oppression
The injustices and disadvantages some individuals or groups suffer as a consequence of intentional or unintentional practices with in a society
Laws Against Gay Marriage
Forced sterilization of intellectually disabled persons in Alberta
Aboriginal Residential Schools

9. Power
The ability, or potential to bring about significant change in a society, or in people’s lives
Based on dominance of:
Sex
Age
Race
Ethnicity
Sexual orientation
Mental or physical ability
Socioeconomic class etc
Inequity of power is one of the most common causes of social injustice

10. Matrix of Oppression Created by Patricia Hill Collins
Illustrates issue of oppression concerned with
Age
Race
Gender
Class
Sexual orientation
ability
One example of a domination model
Many factors contribute to how it is interpreted

12. Empowerment
Addressing and eliminating legal and institutional injustices that have excluded individuals or groups from full participation in society

13. Discrimination
Occurs when a person suffers disadvantages or is denied opportunities available to other members of society based on the following:
Sex
Age sexual orientation
Race
Religion
Physical or mental ability

14. Also includes “adverse effect discrimination”
May be overt, such as a law or policy that is explicitly intended to treat individuals or groups differently
Also includes “adverse effect discrimination”
A law or rule is applied equally or consistently in a way that results in certain individual groups being disadvantaged (University entrance requirements discriminate against groups that have historically not been able to acquire those requirements )

15. Discussion Read Kansas Bill 2453 and discuss the following:
Which rights are being protected?
Should an individual be forced to provide services to individuals who are in violation of their personal religious beliefs?
How could this Bill negatively effect individuals at large, society as a whole?
Overall, is this Bill discriminatory or does it protect individual rights?
Be prepared to share you responses.