ROLE OF EDUCATION IN PROMOTING EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Abstract

Education plays a pivotal role in promoting equity and social justice in the society by serving as an agent of transformation. It addressed systemic inequality and foster human rights, social duties and responsibility for an inclusive society to contributing a more equitable society by using multiple pedagogical approaches and curriculum design. Critical pedagogy-based education emphasizes dialogue and empowerment, encouraging active participation of the learners to handle these challenges. This approach can promote social justice in the educational settings by addressing their race, religion, socio-economic background and gender disparities. By implementing innovative pedagogy and inclusive curriculum, it enhanced learners’ active engagement, values to respect diversity and promote social-cohesion. Through value-based, inclusive, and democratic education, learners develop critical awareness of social structures and the motivation to challenge discrimination and injustice. Despite of its potential, education faces several challenges such as limited resource and curricula gaps that hinder its effectiveness in promoting equity. To strengthen a positive impact of education on social justice, equity and human rights, it is essential to enhance teachers training and also integrate them in the community engagements. Although education is a powerful tool for promoting social justice, liberation, participation in democracy and equity in the society but to overcome these obstacles, it is necessary to establish a concerted effort on the behalf of educators, policy makers and communities to create a truly inclusive educational environment.