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Posts tagged social justice
A Guide to Human Rights Education

By Paul D. Hines & Leslie Woods

"A Guide to Human Rights Education" by Paul D. Hines and Leslie Wood, published in 1969 , is a comprehensive resource designed to integrate human rights concepts into social studies curricula at elementary and secondary levels . The guide emphasizes the importance of universal human rights and provides historical context, from Hammurabi's Code to post - World War II developments [1] . It includes discussions on key human right s documents, the role of the United Nations, and practical strategies for educators to promote human rights awareness in the classroom

National Council For The Social Studies, 1969, 151p.

Political Writings of Thomas Paine: Volumes 1 and 2

By Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine's Political Writings Volumes 1 and 2 are a comprehensive collection of his most influential works, reflecting his pivotal role in the American and French Revolutions. These volumes include seminal texts such as Common Sense, The Rights of Man, and The Age of Reason, among others.

Volume 1 primarily covers Paine's early writings, including his famous pamphlet Common Sense, which powerfully argued for American independence from Britain. This volume also includes his series of essays titled The American Crisis, written during the Revolutionary War to inspire the American troops.

Volume 2 continues with Paine's later works, focusing on his contributions to political philosophy and his advocacy for social reforms. This volume includes The Rights of Man, in which Paine defends the French Revolution and argues for natural rights and democratic government. It also features The Age of Reason, in which Paine critiques organized religion and promotes deism.

Together, these volumes offer a thorough insight into Paine's revolutionary ideas and his enduring impact on political thought.

Thomas Paine's writings are rich with several recurring themes that reflect his revolutionary spirit and commitment to social justice. Here are some of the main themes:

1. Liberty and Independence: Paine passionately advocated for the independence of the American colonies from British rule. In "Common Sense," he argued that it was both a natural right and a practical necessity for the colonies to break free from British tyranny.

2. Rights of Man: Paine believed in the inherent rights of individuals. In "The Rights of Man," he defended the French Revolution and argued that all men are born with natural rights that should be protected by governments.

3. Democracy and Republicanism: Paine was a strong proponent of democratic principles and republican forms of government. He believed that governments should be based on the consent of the governed and that hereditary monarchy was an unjust and outdated system.

4. Social Justice and Equality: Paine's writings often touched on issues of social justice and economic equality. He advocated for progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and the abolition of slavery.

5. Reason and Secularism: In "The Age of Reason," Paine critiqued organized religion and promoted deism, emphasizing the importance of reason and scientific inquiry over religious dogma.

6. Revolution and Change: Paine saw revolution as a necessary means to achieve political and social change. He believed that oppressive systems should be overthrown to establish more just and equitable societies.

These themes collectively highlight Paine's vision for a world where individuals are free, equal, and governed by rational and just principles.

The Feminist Legislation Project: Rewriting Laws for Gender-Based Justice

Edited by Becky Batagol, Kate Seear, Heli Askola and Jamie Walvisch

In this book, leading law academics along with lawyers, activists and others demonstrate what legislation could look like if its concern was to create justice for women. Each chapter contains a short piece of legislation – proposed in order to address a contemporary legal problem from a feminist perspective. These range across criminal law (sexual offences, Indigenous women’s experiences of criminal law, laws in relation to forced marriage, modern slavery, childcare and sentencing), civil law (aged care and housing rights, regulating the gig economy; surrogacy, gender equity in the construction industry) and constitutional law (human rights legislation, reimagining parliaments where laws are made for the benefit of women). The proposed laws are, moreover, drafted with feedback from a senior parliamentary draftsperson (providing guidance to contributors in a personal capacity), to ensure conformity with legislative rigour, as well as accompanied by an explanation of their reasons and their aims. Although the legislation is Australian-based, the issues raised by each are recognisably global, and are reflected in the legislation of most other nations. This first feminist legislation project will appeal to scholars of feminist legal studies, gender and the law, gender studies and others studying or working in relevant legal areas.

London; New York: Routledge, 2025. 392p.

Archives and Human Rights

Edited by Jens Boel, Perrine Canavaggio and Antonio González Quintana

Why and how can records serve as evidence of human rights violations, in particular crimes against humanity, and help the fight against impunity? Archives and Human Rights shows the close relationship between archives and human rights and discusses the emergence, at the international level, of the principles of the right to truth, justice and reparation. Through a historical overview and topical case studies from different regions of the world the book discusses how records can concretely support these principles. The current examples also demonstrate how the perception of the role of the archivist has undergone a metamorphosis in recent decades, towards the idea that archivists can and must play an active role in defending basic human rights, first and foremost by enabling access to documentation on human rights violations. Confronting painful memories of the past is a way to make the ghosts disappear and begin building a brighter, more serene future. The establishment of international justice mechanisms and the creation of truth commissions are important elements of this process. The healing begins with the acknowledgment that painful chapters are essential parts of history; archives then play a crucial role by providing evidence. This book is both a tool and an inspiration to use archives in defence of human rights.

Routledge, 2021. 353p

Within-Group Inequality and Caste-Based Crimes in India

By Kanishka Bhowmick Indraneel Dasgupta Sarmistha Pal 

We examine how within-group inequality, by influencing the group bias of state institutions, affects the cost-benefit calculus of individuals engaging in identity-assertive behaviour, that results in police complaints regarding hate crimes. We develop a two-stage contest model of between-group conflict, where the relative influence of a group over institutions, determined by an initial contest, affects subsequent hierarchy-establishing interaction between individuals belonging to opposing groups. Applying this model to caste conflict in India, we find that greater inequality among non-Scheduled Caste (non-SC) Hindus reduces the registered rate of crimes against SCs by non-SC Hindus, as well as the conviction rate for these crimes. Greater inequality among SCs increases both rates. Using state-level annual crime and household consumption data over 2005-2021, we find empirical support for these hypotheses. Between-group inequality does not appear to matter for either the rate of crimes against SCs or the conviction rate. Our analysis suggests that greater inequality within marginalized groups might increase reporting and punishment of aggression against them, thereby serving a protective function.

Bonn:  IZA – Institute of Labor Economics, 2024. 43p.

THE SUPPRESSION OF THE AFRICAN SLAVE-TRADE TO THE TO THE UNITED UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1638-1870

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By W.E. BURGHARDT DU BOIS..

"The Suppression of the African Slave-Trade to the United States of America 1638-1870" by W.E.B. Du Bois is a seminal work that delves into the complex history of the abolition of the African slave trade in the United States. Through meticulous research and profound analysis, Du Bois provides a detailed account of the efforts and challenges faced in ending this heinous practice that marred American history for centuries.

Du Bois's insightful narrative sheds light on the social, economic, and political forces that shaped the trajectory of the slave trade in America. By exploring the legal battles, international pressures, and moral dilemmas surrounding the abolitionist movement, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of the long and arduous journey towards eradicating one of the darkest chapters in American history.

A must-read for anyone interested in American history, human rights, and the enduring legacy of slavery, "The Suppression of the African Slave-Trade to the United States of America 1638-1870" stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience of those who fought against injustice and the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom.

Volume I. Harvard Historical Historical Studies. Longmans, Green, and Co. New York. 1896. 503p.

JOHN BROWN

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By W. E. BURGHARDT DU BOIS,

John Brown, a pivotal figure in American history, was a fervent abolitionist known for his radical activism against slavery in the mid-19th century. Born in 1800, Brown's unwavering commitment to the abolitionist cause led him to participate in notable events like the Pottawatomie Creek Massacre and the infamous raid on Harpers Ferry.

Brown's unyielding belief in the inherent rights of all individuals, regardless of color, propelled him to challenge the oppressive institution of slavery through direct action. His bold tactics and militant approach set him apart from other abolitionists of his time, making him a polarizing figure in the nation's tumultuous political landscape.

Despite facing criticism, condemnation, and ultimately execution for his actions, John Brown's legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against injustice and a beacon of hope for those who fight for equality and human rights. His unwavering dedication to the abolitionist movement continues to inspire generations to strive for a more just and equitable society.

PHILADELPHIA. GEORGE W. JACOBS & & COMPANY COMPANY PUBLISHERS. 1909. 284p.