Unit 1.1
Social Cohesion and Individual Rights
Starter questions
Discuss:
●
Why do we have laws?
●
What is the purpose of the legal system?
●
How do we ensure laws are followed?
● One of the purposes of the legal
system is to establish social
cohesion and protect individual
rights.
● What would a socially incohesive
world or one without laws be like?
Key Knowledge: 🎓
●
The role of individuals, law and the legal system in achieving social
cohesion and protecting the rights of individuals
Key concepts:
●
●
Social cohesion
Individual rights
4
Social Cohesion
What is social cohesion?
In groups of 2-3 come up with your
own definition of ‘social cohesion’
Discuss 🗣️
6
Our definitions: 📖
●
Your teacher will record a summary of your responses here
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Understanding Social Cohesion:
There are many definitions of what social cohesion is.
Dick Stanley (from textbook)
●
Members in a society cooperating with each other
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Common goal to survive and prosper
Council of Europe (from textbook)
●
Capacity of society to ensure the wellbeing of its members
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Ability to minimise disparities
●
Avoid marginalisation
8
How does the textbook define it?
Make sure you have this definition in your notes
Social cohesion is a term used to describe the
willingness of members of a society to cooperate
with each other in order to survive and prosper
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Social cohesion
Social cohesion relates to one of the aims of law - to create a
socially harmonious society based on cooperation, inclusion
of all, and account for the wellbeing of its members.
Discuss: HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO
John recently quit his part-time job and has been unable to find work since.
John does not have enough money to pay for all his grocery items this week and is
considering stealing some extra goods at the self-service checkout.
However, he is at a crossroads.
Does he steal the items and risk the punishment? Would his parents be proud of him for
such behaviour? Or should he do the right thing and only pay for what he can afford?
Scanlon Foundation: Social Cohesion
The Scanlon Foundation provides its own ideas on the
concept of social cohesion. The Scanlon is an
organisation that seeks to promote and enhance social
cohesion through its research.
They provide a yearly report on social cohesion in
Australia using five core areas of social cohesion:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A sense of belonging
A sense of worth
Social justice and equity
Political and social participation
Acceptance or rejection
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Let’s Explore:
Let’s look at the latest report
As we explore, let’s discuss:
●
Do they capture what you think they should capture?
Consider the 5 factors they consider.
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Is there anything missing?
●
Refer to the graph showing change over time. What are the trends?
13
Individual Rights
In groups of 2-3 come up with your
own definition of ‘individual rights’
Discuss 🗣️
16
Our definitions: 📖
●
Your teacher will record a summary of your responses here
17
How does the textbook define it?
Individual rights are legal, social, or
ethical principles of freedom or
entitlement that belong to a person
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Individual Rights:
Protecting individual rights allows for human rights to be honoured.
These human rights are there to ensure that all people live with dignity,
justice, equality, and experience fair treatment.
In Victoria, individual rights are protected under the Charter of Human
Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. This is a key piece of legislation,
which includes rights such as:
●
●
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The right to a fair hearing
The right of freedom of expression
The right to vote
Some of these rights and freedoms are also enshrined in the Australian
Constitution. The strength of these rights lies in the difficulty of altering
the Constitution. This document can only be changed through a
referendum.
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The role of the legal system &
individuals in maintaining social cohesion
The role of the legal system
●
●
●
The legal system is a set of methods and
institutions that makes, administers
(implements) and enforces laws.
The legal system includes courts, tribunals and
enforcement bodies (e.g. Victoria Police).
The legal system aims to deal fairly and justly
with individuals who have broken the law or
breached someone else’s rights.
The role of individuals
●
Discuss:
What are the roles of individuals in maintaining a cohesive society?
● Examples:
○ Being aware of and abiding laws
○ Reporting crimes
○ Using the legal system to resolve major disputes where rights
have been infringed
Summary
●
Legal systems and individuals both play a role in maintaining a
socially cohesive society and protecting individual rights.
●
Social cohesion relates to one of the aims of law - to create a
socially harmonious society based on cooperation, inclusion of all,
and account for the wellbeing of its members.
●
Individual rights are legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or
entitlement that belong to a person