1. SOCIAL HARMONY GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES UNIT A REVISION NOTES

2. Social Harmony – Revision Checklist What you need to Know Keywords Social issues on sexism Christianity & role of women Islam & role of women Social issues on racism Christian views on racial harmony Christian views on racial freedom Islamic views on racial harmony Islamic views on racial freedom

3. Keywords equality sexism Multi-ethnic society prejudice discrimination racism Racial harmony Multi-faith society Religious freedom Religious pluralism

4. Social Facts on Sexism From 1918+ women fought for equal rights e.g. parliament/vote Women played important role during WWII – men fighting in Europe/Pacific Common view post WWII – men should take preference over women e.g. jobs 1960’s onwards this view challenged; Contraceptive pill 1970 Equal Pay Act 1975 Sex Discrimination Act 1996 Employment Rights Act

5. Christianity – Role of Women REMEMBER ALL CHRISTIANS DO NOT THINK THE SAME Evangelical Protestants – men/women should have different roles. They believe Bible should be followed strictly, so; Women – bring up children & make Christian home Women should accept husband is superior Women should attend church – put take no part in leading service Protestants believe men & women – equal role home/church e.g. women at crucifixion. Therefore believe in women priests Roman Catholics – men and women have equal roles in life but not church

6. Islam – Role of Women Women have equal rights to men but different roles Men and women are not exactly the same; Men physically stronger than women Women can become pregnant & bear children Woman's role; Marry/have children. Care 4 husband. Bring children up – good Muslims. Qur'an- not forbid women to work e.g. Prophet Muhammad's wife Women not obliged to attend mosque but many do. Can attend Hajj. Man’s role; Marry/have children. Provide for family Men – ensure children attend madrasah & take son’s to mosque.

7. Social Facts on Racism Through history – UK absorbed different Nations e.g. Romans/Vikings British Empire saw links with many countries. In 1950’s invited many workers from Pakistan, West Indies etc to help with the economy. Racism – illegal e.g. 1976 Race Relations Act Illegal to discriminate –race, colour etc in terms of housing, jobs etc Act saw setting up of Commission for Racial Equality Racism in Britain – becoming more socially unacceptable e.g. Celeb BB Multicultural Britain; Diverse culture- food, music, clothes Diverse ethnic groups are members of religions/public groups etc

8. Christian views on Racial Harmony/Religious Freedom Racial Harmony. Christians believe; God created humans in own image – all are Gods creation Examples-Good Samaritan/African carried Jesus cross So…Christians should not be racist…because Jesus not racist Christian attitudes to other religions; Exclusivism – only those who follow Christianity will go to heaven ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me’ John 14:6 Inclusivism – Religion do help people – Christianity only has the complete answer – view held by Roman Catholics Pluralism – no religion is superior to others. People have free will. ‘There are many rooms in my Father’s house’ John !4:2

9. Islamic Views on Racial Harmony/Religious Freedom Racial Harmony; Muslims believe all prejudice is wrong – everyone is God’s creation Prophet Muhammad married black African Muslim All Muslims belong to the ummah – brotherhood of Islam – no matter what race/colour/nationality e.g. Hajj Islamic views on other religions; Islam teaches that everyone is born Muslim But nobody should be forced to follow a particular religion – ‘free will’ Muslims believe that Islam is the only correct path to God. Jews/Christians view on God have become distorted – ‘people of the book’ & are respected. Those who accept Islam – go to heaven. Therefore people need to convert – but not forced