The Road Less Travelled: Exploring the Planning and Preparation for a Critical Social Justice Module by the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore the journey of planning and preparation for the implementation of a Critical Social Justice and Citizenship (CSJ) module at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Despite political democracy in South Africa, racial, sexist, gender, and cultural pathological issues persist. The CSJ module addresses these challenges by focusing on gender-based violence, racism, gender inequality, classism, and other forms of discrimination. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm and a narrative inquiry approach to investigate the experiences of the planning team and the tutors involved in the CSJ module. Data were generated through observations of workshops, which were presented via photo narratives and individual interviews. The analysis was performed using thematic and content analysis methods. A theoretical framework for the study was based on “Education for Liberation,” which encompasses human rights, inclusion, and education for social justice. The experiences of the planning team and the tutors highlighted both the challenges and the successes encountered during the planning and preparation phases. The identified themes included the importance of collaborative efforts, the need for ongoing support and training, and the evolving understanding of social justice issues by the tutors. Recommendations for future implementation include improving support structures for tutors, continuous professional development, and improving module content based on feedback and experiences. This study contributes to scholarship by providing a detailed account of the development of a social justice-oriented educational module in a higher education context. The study also offers information on the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in the development of educational interventions aimed at promoting social justice. Keywords: Social Justice, Gender-based violence, Inequality, Classism, Workshops