EDS4801
Assignment 6
Due 2 July 2025
, EDS4801
Assignment 6
Due 2 July 2025
ESSAY: Critical Analysis of the Importance of Social Justice, Equality, and Human
Rights in Inclusive Education
Theoretical Foundations of Social Justice, Equality, and Human Rights in
Education
Social Justice as a Framework for Inclusion
Social justice, as described by Reid (2020), is both a goal and a process. It aims to
ensure fair participation for all social groups. In education, this framework requires
breaking down systemic barriers like ableism, racism, and economic disparities that
exclude learners. Social justice connects with critical pedagogy, which views
education as a tool for freedom and social change (Freire, 1970). By valuing democratic
practices, social justice creates inclusive environments where learners' diverse
identities—cultural, social, and political—are respected and affirmed (Qureshi et al.,
2019). For example, inclusive education efforts in South Africa, based on social justice,
have aimed to correct historical inequalities from apartheid, ensuring access for learners
from marginalized communities (Engelbrecht & Green, 2018).
However, a critical view shows that social justice in education is often weakened by
shallow efforts. Token inclusion, where diversity is acknowledged but structural
inequalities are not addressed, fails to empower learners or challenge power
imbalances (Ainscow, 2020). For instance, while inclusive policies might require access
for learners with disabilities, poor teacher training or inaccessible buildings often
continue exclusion. This highlights the need for transformative, rather than just
symbolic, approaches to social justice.
Assignment 6
Due 2 July 2025
, EDS4801
Assignment 6
Due 2 July 2025
ESSAY: Critical Analysis of the Importance of Social Justice, Equality, and Human
Rights in Inclusive Education
Theoretical Foundations of Social Justice, Equality, and Human Rights in
Education
Social Justice as a Framework for Inclusion
Social justice, as described by Reid (2020), is both a goal and a process. It aims to
ensure fair participation for all social groups. In education, this framework requires
breaking down systemic barriers like ableism, racism, and economic disparities that
exclude learners. Social justice connects with critical pedagogy, which views
education as a tool for freedom and social change (Freire, 1970). By valuing democratic
practices, social justice creates inclusive environments where learners' diverse
identities—cultural, social, and political—are respected and affirmed (Qureshi et al.,
2019). For example, inclusive education efforts in South Africa, based on social justice,
have aimed to correct historical inequalities from apartheid, ensuring access for learners
from marginalized communities (Engelbrecht & Green, 2018).
However, a critical view shows that social justice in education is often weakened by
shallow efforts. Token inclusion, where diversity is acknowledged but structural
inequalities are not addressed, fails to empower learners or challenge power
imbalances (Ainscow, 2020). For instance, while inclusive policies might require access
for learners with disabilities, poor teacher training or inaccessible buildings often
continue exclusion. This highlights the need for transformative, rather than just
symbolic, approaches to social justice.
