Rethinking and Redefining Social Justice: A Critical Pedagogical Analysis

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Paulo Freire Roundtable 5

Abstract

Social justice is a popular term, and as such surfaces in discussions revolved around equity and fairness, including equal distribution of and access to resources among students. Despite its common use in shaping the mainstream narrative, social justice is often misunderstood. This essay draws from critical pedagogy and testimonios of ten critical educators who were interviewed to (1) examine the concept social injustice and goes on to (2) underscore the ways in which race and gender intersect to affect the lives of historically oppressed groups, including professors and students of color, in higher education. This essay proposes alternative ways to counter social injustice in American schools and society at large.

Author

• Pierre W. Orelus, Fairfield University