Using Literature to Teach Social Justice: A Literature Review

Abstract

Teachers may choose to teach about social justice for many different reasons. Some of these reasons are required by syllabi and some are by teachers’ own initiative. This literature review analyses and compiles 15 academic articles and books, and 3 syllabi that describe different processes of mixing literature studies with social justice issues. Some works focus on select ages, a few on teacher education, and several included their own approaches, exercises and teaching practices. This review the methods and materials used to teach about social justice through literature. We have collected and analysed these studies for the purpose of reviewing their practical applications. The studies show that it is not what we teach about in the context of social justice issues but how we teach that becomes particularly important to practicing teachers.