Critical literacies & social justice: social justice approaches in schools

Abstract

Critical literacy and social justice theories are both related to the exploration of power and privilege. This entry focusses on how critical literacy has been taken up by teachers in primary and secondary schooling to engage students and educators to think deeply about–and contest–unequal power relations. We frame our discussion using Nancy Fraser's tripartite model of social justice that addresses parity of participation through redistribution, recognition and representation. We contend that understanding social justice as a multidimensional concept allows educators to take up critical literacy in ways that seek to reveal and challenge complex social injustices.