New
New
Year 11
AQA

Social justice

I can explain Christian and non-religious views on social justice and describe some responses to issues of inequality and injustice.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Social justice

I can explain Christian and non-religious views on social justice and describe some responses to issues of inequality and injustice.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Social justice aims to create a fair society by protecting human rights and addressing inequality
  2. Christian teachings inspire many Christians to work for social justice
  3. Non-religious groups also work for social justice based on reason, empathy, and shared humanity
  4. Social justice involves not just charity, but challenging unfair systems and structures that cause suffering
  5. Ways to tackle social injustice include campaigning for fair laws, supporting charities and protesting peacefully

Keywords

  • Inequality - When individuals or groups are treated differently and unfairly, often with less access to rights, resources, or opportunities.

  • Injustice - When people are treated unfairly or denied their rights and opportunities.

  • Social justice - The fair and equal distribution of wealth, opportunities, and rights within society, with special care for the vulnerable and oppressed.

Common misconception

Social justice is only about giving to charity

Social justice is about challenging and changing unfair systems e.g. campaigning for fair laws, fighting racism, or improving workers’ rights. Charity treats the symptoms; social justice works to fix the underlying problems.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Social justice, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use media clips of current real life examples of events highlighting issues related to social justice and responses to these issues
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights aim to do?
Promote only religious freedoms
Correct answer: List basic rights for every human being
Replace national laws
Q2.
Which Christian teaching supports human rights?
Correct answer: Love your neighbour
An eye for an eye
Honour your king
Q3.
Why is freedom of religious expression important?
It lets people believe things that are untrue
It only helps religious leaders
Correct answer: It protects everyone’s right to express beliefs
Q4.
What is a Christian response to restrictions on religious freedom?
Violent protest
Correct answer: Legal and peaceful challenge
Abandon their faith
Q5.
What is the mistake in thinking rights matter more than responsibilities?
Responsibilities are more important than anything
You only need to care about yourself
Correct answer: Justice means balancing rights with duties
Q6.
What is extremism?
Correct answer: Holding radical views that may cause harm
Choosing a strict diet
Going to a religious school

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Social justice aims to address unfair treatment and .
Correct Answer: inequality, Inequality
Q2.
Christian is a charity that works to support social justice.
Correct Answer: Aid, aid
Q3.
What does Luke 4:18 show about Jesus’ mission?
To teach only religious leaders
To gain political power
Correct answer: To help the poor and free the oppressed
Q4.
Which statement best describes a non-religious view of social justice?
Justice is only God’s responsibility
Correct answer: Fairness and empathy guide our actions
Only believers deserve justice
Q5.
Who was Jeremy Bentham?
A human rights lawyer
A Christian charity worker
Correct answer: A philosopher who promoted social justice
Q6.
What is a misconception about social justice?
It includes peaceful protest
Correct answer: It is only about giving to charity
It tackles unfair systems