Social Justice
Racism is the belief that one race is better or worse than another, leading to discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping. It harms individuals and society.
Poverty is the status where someone cannot afford basic human needs such as food, water, shelter, education, etc. It can occur when someone does not have a job that pays them a living wage or doesn’t have a job at all as a cause of external factors outside of their control.
Homelessness is when someone cannot afford adequate living conditions, especially shelter. It also occurs when someone is employed under a job that does not pay enough to afford shelter, young people can be homeless if they are forced to run away due to conditions at home or if they are kicked out.
Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation. It can take many forms, including but not limited to, exclusion, harassment, and unequal treatment in areas such as education, employment, and housing.
Injustice is when people get what they don’t deserve and are treated unfairly for reasons that they cannot control.
An example of injustice would be the discrimination against women in lawmaking
Justice is when people get what they do deserve and are treated fairly regardless of their gender, religion, sexuality, social status, race, etc.
An example of justice is getting a perfect score on a test you got all the right answers on
What does Social Justice mean to you?
I was a victim of injustice when my teacher refused to let me present my assignment to the class, even though he had allowed everyone else to do so
A wider example of someone who was a victim of injustice is that 7/10 black Americans have experienced some sort of discrimination based on their skin colour
I think social justice is the act of justice in our social lives in how we treat people. It focuses more on human rights and making sure people are treated with respect
An example of injustice in our real life was the killing of George Floyd
The aim of social justice is to fight for the social rights of human beings and equality for all.
Social justice means justice for all in society
Ethics is a branch of philosophy
Ethics is a framework for action
Ethics is often based on a religious view
Social Justice Campaigns:
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Provide necessities to disadvantaged families
Ethics related to Christianity and helping those who are less privileged than you
Targeted towards privileged people who are able to provide for those who are less fortunate than you
The Vinnies Winter Appeal collects various essentials for families who need them, and they act as Christmas presents to those who can’t afford any
Black Lives Matter
Bring attention to the discrimination faced by African Americans in the USA
Ethics related to equality and basic human rights
The target audience is people on social media to spread the message that innocent people are dying due to discrimination within the system
The black lives matter campaign was founded because of the killing of many African American people by white policemen in the USA, and the policemen faced little to no repercussions for their actions. The campaign was brought more into the mainstream after the killing of George Floyd.
Where Is The Love?
What type of injustice is identified?
Racial inequality and racism
What is the central message of the song?
We are all the same species, and our discrimination will only cause future generations to mimic our views. Rather than ignoring racism in our society, we should love one another and support each other.
What is the relevance and impact of this song?
This message is incredibly relevant as racism is still a huge issue in many places around the world, and something that has caused a number of injustices ranging from unlawful imprisonment to murder.
“But if you only have love for your race / Then you only leave space to discriminate
PEEL paragraph: What impact does music have on raising awareness for those less fortunate?
Music has an impact on raising awareness for those less fortunate because music is a universal language. It is not only accessible to a specific group of people, and good songs with good meanings will reach a lot more people, therefore spreading your message and raising awareness at a much faster and even subconscious rate. Music has the power to evoke emotions and inspire action, making it a valuable tool in raising awareness for those less fortunate. Through music, artists can share stories and experiences of individuals facing poverty, inequality, and other social issues. It can unite both listeners and artists in a way that would be difficult to mimic in any other campaign. This can help to educate and inform listeners, encouraging them to take action and support those in need. Additionally, music events and concerts can serve as platforms for fundraising and advocacy efforts, bringing together communities to support a common cause. Overall, music has the ability to create a sense of empathy and solidarity, making it an effective means of raising awareness and promoting positive change.
Explain how documentaries (such as The Nun in the Cage) could help change people’s perceptions of these different minority groups. How could these changed perceptions help create a more just society?
Documentaries can help change people's perceptions of minority groups by providing a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of their experiences and struggles. Through documentaries such as The Nun in the Cage, we can see how different groups of people come together to protest the injustices in our society and show that there are all sorts of different people standing in solidarity and support for these marginalised minority groups. Additionally, documentaries can also provide a much more accurate depiction of the experiences held by minority groups. By highlighting the humanity and diversity of these groups, documentaries can challenge stereotypes and prejudices that contribute to discrimination and inequality. These changed perceptions can help create a more just society by promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. This can lead to greater social cohesion, reduced prejudice and discrimination, and increased opportunities for marginalized groups to participate fully in society.
Jesus respected women and related openly to them at a time when this was not normalised or acceptable
In the story of the sinful woman, Jesus shows how he is willing to forgive sinful women and has a respect for them, as they have faith in him.
In return for Jesus’ inclusion and respect for women, they became some of his most devoted followers, staying with him even in the hardest times. In fact, in the Gospel of Luke:
Women were amongst those present at the crucifixion
Women prepared spices to anoint Jesus’ body after his death
Women were the first to find Jesus’ empty tomb
Angels told the women that Jesus had risen
Women were the first to tell the other disciples
Jesus went out of his way to show respect for women
Jesus included women whereas the Jewish belief at the time largely excluded them
Jesus rejected the false criteria upon which the double standard was built upon, and measured men and women by the same standard.
Catholic Social Teachings
Catholic Social Teaching covers all spheres of life - the economic, political, personal, and spiritual.
With human dignity at its centre, a holistic approach to development founded on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching is what Pope Paul VI called ‘authentic development’.
Catholic Social Teaching is the Catholic doctrines on matters of human dignity and the common good in society. The ideas address oppression, the role of the state, subsidiarity, social organisation, concern for social justice, and issues of wealth distribution.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person:
This theme recognizes that every human life is sacred and possesses an inherent dignity that should be respected by all. This theme emphasizes the universal value of human life and seeks to promote the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity or nationality.
Genesis 1:26-31. God created man and woman in his image.
We are all special because God made us.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation:
This theme recognizes the importance of community, family and participation in human life. It emphasizes the right of individuals to participate in the social, economic, and political life of their community. This theme recognizes that individual rights are best protected when they are exercised within a broader framework of social responsibility and mutual respect.
Genesis 2:18. It is not good for man to be alone.
The Rights and Responsibilities:
This theme recognizes that individuals have rights that need to be respected and also have corresponding responsibilities to respect the rights of others. This theme emphasizes the need for social systems and institutions that protect basic human rights and ensure social justice.
Leviticus 25:35. When someone is reduced to poverty, we have an obligation to help.
Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable:
This theme recognizes the fundamental obligation to serve the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our society. It emphasizes the need for all individuals, institutions, and governments to work towards the common good and the well-being of all people, particularly those who are marginalized and vulnerable.
Leviticus 19:9-10. A portion of the harvest is set aside for the poor and the stranger.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers:
This theme emphasizes the importance of work in the life of each person and the dignity of the worker. It recognizes the right of workers to form unions and participate in decisions that affect their lives and to receive just wages and benefits.
Genesis 2:1-3. God rests on the seventh day.
Solidarity:
This theme emphasizes the need for all people to recognize their interconnectedness and work towards the common good. It emphasizes the importance of global solidarity and the duty to support those who are struggling against poverty, oppression, and injustice.
Genesis 12:1-3. God blessed Israel so that all nations would be blessed through it.
Care for God's Creation:
This theme emphasizes our duty to care for the environment and to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all creation and the need to live in harmony with nature. This theme emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship of the earth's resources.
We are not the owners of creation; rather, “the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1)
Catholic Social Teaching Principles
The Bible teaches us how God wants us to live with other people
Catholic Social Teaching principles are founded on the messages of the prophets, of Jesus and of our church leaders
Human Dignity
We are all special because God made us. We have to make sure other people are treated with respect and fairness because God made them too.
The foundation of all the principles of our social teaching.
All people are created in the image of God. People do not lose dignity because of disability, poverty, age, lack of success, or race. This emphasises people over things, being over having.
Common Good
We should always try to think about what is good for everyone, not just ourselves. It’s about living together in a community.
While the dignity of the human person is affirmed, individuals live in common with others and the rights of individuals must be balanced with the wider common good of all.
Solidarity
We are one ‘body’. When one suffers, we all suffer. Our responsibilities to each other cross national, racial, economic, and ideological differences. We are called to work with those who struggle; we are called to work with those who work for justice.
Subsidiarity
People who make decisions should listen to everyone and give everyone the chance to share their opinions
Society is based on organisations or communities of people ranging from small groups or families to national and international institutions. Subsidiarity affirms the right of individuals and social groups to make their own decisions about what affects them. A higher level community should not interfere in the life of a community at a lower level of social organisation unless it is to support and enable.
Participation
Everyone should be able to work and use the talents that God gave them.
Everyone has a right to participate in society, in those institutions necessary for human fulfilment, such as work, education, and political participation.
Stewardship: Care for Creation
We need to take care of the earth because it is for everyone
The world’s goods are meant for all. The right to private property is subordinate to the right to common use and the overall common good. There is a social mortgage on private property. We have a responsibility to care for the earth, and its goods as stewards, not as mere consumers and users.
We as followers of Jesus live according to his message of love, compassion, and justice in a way that restores dignity to all. We need to keep ourselves aware and informed on the issues of society.
Preferential Option for the Poor
The Bible teaches us to take extra special care of the most vulnerable people in society.
In order to have Preferential Options for the Poor, we must see the world through the eyes of the poor which then leads to action for justice with and on behalf of those who are poor and marginalised. We are called to look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor.
The problem is the lack of acceptance of people with schizophrenia and the way that it impacts their personal lives, as well as the lack of development of new drugs to treat schizophrenia.
Cyndi is in the process of researching to create a new and better treatment for schizophrenia in order to help support her twin brother, Scott.
Her motivation for helping others stems from a personal interest in schizophrenia as a result of her twin brother being afflicted with the condition
She is making a significant difference alongside her fellow scientists by making big steps in progress in the research and development of medication for schizophrenia
Racism is the belief that one race is better or worse than another, leading to discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping. It harms individuals and society.
Poverty is the status where someone cannot afford basic human needs such as food, water, shelter, education, etc. It can occur when someone does not have a job that pays them a living wage or doesn’t have a job at all as a cause of external factors outside of their control.
Homelessness is when someone cannot afford adequate living conditions, especially shelter. It also occurs when someone is employed under a job that does not pay enough to afford shelter, young people can be homeless if they are forced to run away due to conditions at home or if they are kicked out.
Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation. It can take many forms, including but not limited to, exclusion, harassment, and unequal treatment in areas such as education, employment, and housing.
Injustice is when people get what they don’t deserve and are treated unfairly for reasons that they cannot control.
An example of injustice would be the discrimination against women in lawmaking
Justice is when people get what they do deserve and are treated fairly regardless of their gender, religion, sexuality, social status, race, etc.
An example of justice is getting a perfect score on a test you got all the right answers on
What does Social Justice mean to you?
I was a victim of injustice when my teacher refused to let me present my assignment to the class, even though he had allowed everyone else to do so
A wider example of someone who was a victim of injustice is that 7/10 black Americans have experienced some sort of discrimination based on their skin colour
I think social justice is the act of justice in our social lives in how we treat people. It focuses more on human rights and making sure people are treated with respect
An example of injustice in our real life was the killing of George Floyd
The aim of social justice is to fight for the social rights of human beings and equality for all.
Social justice means justice for all in society
Ethics is a branch of philosophy
Ethics is a framework for action
Ethics is often based on a religious view
Social Justice Campaigns:
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Provide necessities to disadvantaged families
Ethics related to Christianity and helping those who are less privileged than you
Targeted towards privileged people who are able to provide for those who are less fortunate than you
The Vinnies Winter Appeal collects various essentials for families who need them, and they act as Christmas presents to those who can’t afford any
Black Lives Matter
Bring attention to the discrimination faced by African Americans in the USA
Ethics related to equality and basic human rights
The target audience is people on social media to spread the message that innocent people are dying due to discrimination within the system
The black lives matter campaign was founded because of the killing of many African American people by white policemen in the USA, and the policemen faced little to no repercussions for their actions. The campaign was brought more into the mainstream after the killing of George Floyd.
Where Is The Love?
What type of injustice is identified?
Racial inequality and racism
What is the central message of the song?
We are all the same species, and our discrimination will only cause future generations to mimic our views. Rather than ignoring racism in our society, we should love one another and support each other.
What is the relevance and impact of this song?
This message is incredibly relevant as racism is still a huge issue in many places around the world, and something that has caused a number of injustices ranging from unlawful imprisonment to murder.
“But if you only have love for your race / Then you only leave space to discriminate
PEEL paragraph: What impact does music have on raising awareness for those less fortunate?
Music has an impact on raising awareness for those less fortunate because music is a universal language. It is not only accessible to a specific group of people, and good songs with good meanings will reach a lot more people, therefore spreading your message and raising awareness at a much faster and even subconscious rate. Music has the power to evoke emotions and inspire action, making it a valuable tool in raising awareness for those less fortunate. Through music, artists can share stories and experiences of individuals facing poverty, inequality, and other social issues. It can unite both listeners and artists in a way that would be difficult to mimic in any other campaign. This can help to educate and inform listeners, encouraging them to take action and support those in need. Additionally, music events and concerts can serve as platforms for fundraising and advocacy efforts, bringing together communities to support a common cause. Overall, music has the ability to create a sense of empathy and solidarity, making it an effective means of raising awareness and promoting positive change.
Explain how documentaries (such as The Nun in the Cage) could help change people’s perceptions of these different minority groups. How could these changed perceptions help create a more just society?
Documentaries can help change people's perceptions of minority groups by providing a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of their experiences and struggles. Through documentaries such as The Nun in the Cage, we can see how different groups of people come together to protest the injustices in our society and show that there are all sorts of different people standing in solidarity and support for these marginalised minority groups. Additionally, documentaries can also provide a much more accurate depiction of the experiences held by minority groups. By highlighting the humanity and diversity of these groups, documentaries can challenge stereotypes and prejudices that contribute to discrimination and inequality. These changed perceptions can help create a more just society by promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. This can lead to greater social cohesion, reduced prejudice and discrimination, and increased opportunities for marginalized groups to participate fully in society.
Jesus respected women and related openly to them at a time when this was not normalised or acceptable
In the story of the sinful woman, Jesus shows how he is willing to forgive sinful women and has a respect for them, as they have faith in him.
In return for Jesus’ inclusion and respect for women, they became some of his most devoted followers, staying with him even in the hardest times. In fact, in the Gospel of Luke:
Women were amongst those present at the crucifixion
Women prepared spices to anoint Jesus’ body after his death
Women were the first to find Jesus’ empty tomb
Angels told the women that Jesus had risen
Women were the first to tell the other disciples
Jesus went out of his way to show respect for women
Jesus included women whereas the Jewish belief at the time largely excluded them
Jesus rejected the false criteria upon which the double standard was built upon, and measured men and women by the same standard.
Catholic Social Teachings
Catholic Social Teaching covers all spheres of life - the economic, political, personal, and spiritual.
With human dignity at its centre, a holistic approach to development founded on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching is what Pope Paul VI called ‘authentic development’.
Catholic Social Teaching is the Catholic doctrines on matters of human dignity and the common good in society. The ideas address oppression, the role of the state, subsidiarity, social organisation, concern for social justice, and issues of wealth distribution.
Life and Dignity of the Human Person:
This theme recognizes that every human life is sacred and possesses an inherent dignity that should be respected by all. This theme emphasizes the universal value of human life and seeks to promote the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity or nationality.
Genesis 1:26-31. God created man and woman in his image.
We are all special because God made us.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation:
This theme recognizes the importance of community, family and participation in human life. It emphasizes the right of individuals to participate in the social, economic, and political life of their community. This theme recognizes that individual rights are best protected when they are exercised within a broader framework of social responsibility and mutual respect.
Genesis 2:18. It is not good for man to be alone.
The Rights and Responsibilities:
This theme recognizes that individuals have rights that need to be respected and also have corresponding responsibilities to respect the rights of others. This theme emphasizes the need for social systems and institutions that protect basic human rights and ensure social justice.
Leviticus 25:35. When someone is reduced to poverty, we have an obligation to help.
Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable:
This theme recognizes the fundamental obligation to serve the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our society. It emphasizes the need for all individuals, institutions, and governments to work towards the common good and the well-being of all people, particularly those who are marginalized and vulnerable.
Leviticus 19:9-10. A portion of the harvest is set aside for the poor and the stranger.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers:
This theme emphasizes the importance of work in the life of each person and the dignity of the worker. It recognizes the right of workers to form unions and participate in decisions that affect their lives and to receive just wages and benefits.
Genesis 2:1-3. God rests on the seventh day.
Solidarity:
This theme emphasizes the need for all people to recognize their interconnectedness and work towards the common good. It emphasizes the importance of global solidarity and the duty to support those who are struggling against poverty, oppression, and injustice.
Genesis 12:1-3. God blessed Israel so that all nations would be blessed through it.
Care for God's Creation:
This theme emphasizes our duty to care for the environment and to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. It recognizes the interconnectedness of all creation and the need to live in harmony with nature. This theme emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship of the earth's resources.
We are not the owners of creation; rather, “the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1)
Catholic Social Teaching Principles
The Bible teaches us how God wants us to live with other people
Catholic Social Teaching principles are founded on the messages of the prophets, of Jesus and of our church leaders
Human Dignity
We are all special because God made us. We have to make sure other people are treated with respect and fairness because God made them too.
The foundation of all the principles of our social teaching.
All people are created in the image of God. People do not lose dignity because of disability, poverty, age, lack of success, or race. This emphasises people over things, being over having.
Common Good
We should always try to think about what is good for everyone, not just ourselves. It’s about living together in a community.
While the dignity of the human person is affirmed, individuals live in common with others and the rights of individuals must be balanced with the wider common good of all.
Solidarity
We are one ‘body’. When one suffers, we all suffer. Our responsibilities to each other cross national, racial, economic, and ideological differences. We are called to work with those who struggle; we are called to work with those who work for justice.
Subsidiarity
People who make decisions should listen to everyone and give everyone the chance to share their opinions
Society is based on organisations or communities of people ranging from small groups or families to national and international institutions. Subsidiarity affirms the right of individuals and social groups to make their own decisions about what affects them. A higher level community should not interfere in the life of a community at a lower level of social organisation unless it is to support and enable.
Participation
Everyone should be able to work and use the talents that God gave them.
Everyone has a right to participate in society, in those institutions necessary for human fulfilment, such as work, education, and political participation.
Stewardship: Care for Creation
We need to take care of the earth because it is for everyone
The world’s goods are meant for all. The right to private property is subordinate to the right to common use and the overall common good. There is a social mortgage on private property. We have a responsibility to care for the earth, and its goods as stewards, not as mere consumers and users.
We as followers of Jesus live according to his message of love, compassion, and justice in a way that restores dignity to all. We need to keep ourselves aware and informed on the issues of society.
Preferential Option for the Poor
The Bible teaches us to take extra special care of the most vulnerable people in society.
In order to have Preferential Options for the Poor, we must see the world through the eyes of the poor which then leads to action for justice with and on behalf of those who are poor and marginalised. We are called to look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor.
The problem is the lack of acceptance of people with schizophrenia and the way that it impacts their personal lives, as well as the lack of development of new drugs to treat schizophrenia.
Cyndi is in the process of researching to create a new and better treatment for schizophrenia in order to help support her twin brother, Scott.
Her motivation for helping others stems from a personal interest in schizophrenia as a result of her twin brother being afflicted with the condition
She is making a significant difference alongside her fellow scientists by making big steps in progress in the research and development of medication for schizophrenia
