Social justice - what are the issues that matter to New Zealand HPE teachers
Contexts matter. Social justice is constituted by context. Contexts are important because they determine what is is important, what is possible, and what conditions are present to enable and challenge the status quo. The findings that follow were generated through two sources: (1) an online survey that was completed by 73 teachers from across New Zealand and focus groups and interviews with 24 teachers, most of whom reside in Auckland.
The following three issues were identified as the most important issues faced in schools
1. Economic Inequity- 65% of the participants identified economic inequity as the most important social justice issue at their school.
"Poverty is the number one issue confronted by some students"
"Economic inequality, students taking on adult responsibilities within their families either working, looking after siblings etc."
"Others do not have the financial freedom to provide food, shelter and for some shoes and a school uniform."
2. Racial Inequality -20% of participants identified racial inequalities and racism as the most important social justice issue at their schools. A further 38% stated that it was the second most important.
"Some students and parents have racist views".
"Some of their parents do not speak English so students need to translate from them. "
"Unconscious bias"
3. Gender / Sexism- identified by 12% of teachers as the most important issue at their schools. A further 19% stated that it was the second most important.
"Homophobia and transphobia is big...that is something I see/hear a lot about."
"Gender diversity"
