How far have we made progress on equality in the UK?
I can explain how the absence of laws in the past allowed inequality to happen and how the introduction of new laws has helped create a fairer society.
How far have we made progress on equality in the UK?
I can explain how the absence of laws in the past allowed inequality to happen and how the introduction of new laws has helped create a fairer society.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- When people treat others less favourably because of their prejudices, this is discrimination.
- In the past, people were often treated unequally, but there were no laws in place to protect people from discrimination.
- Some discriminative actions, e.g., being punished for one's sexuality, were once treated as criminal offences.
- Many people have raised awareness and pushed for positive change.
- The law has gradually shifted to ensure greater protection for everyone, e.g., the Equality Act 2010.
Keywords
Discrimination - treating people unfairly or differently because of things like their race, gender, or where they come from, instead of treating everyone equally
Inequality - when things are not fair or equal for everyone
Common misconception
Discrimination in the past was not as harmful because people did not know any better.
Even though discrimination was accepted in the past, it still caused real harm. People lost rights, faced unfair treatment and suffered. Increased awareness led to campaigns and laws being made to protect people's rights.
To help you plan your year 9 citizenship lesson on: How far have we made progress on equality in the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 citizenship lesson on: How far have we made progress on equality in the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the Are people treated equally in UK society? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
protects people from all discrimination and inequality
ensured same wages for men and women for the same job
helped protect those with disabilities in employment
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
the right of everyone to receive the same treatment
when people are not treated fairly or equally
treating people unfairly or differently due to their characteristics