What can you do to help make the world fairer?
You will finish this chapter by considering what you can do as an individual to help make the world a fairer place.
Reducing unfairness
Everyone has a responsibility to help reduce unfairness in this world. Even as a student, it is within your power to bring about meaningful and positive change.
Throughout this series, you have learned about the world and your place in it. You are part of several communities at different scales:
• friendship groups
• family
• school community
• local area and region
• country.
In all of these communities, there is likely to be some form of unfairness or inequality.
▲ Figure 6.25 Access to technology is unequal and can increase inequality of access to learning opportunities.
Technology, employment and unfairness
The world has changed in the last few decades, as more aspects of life have become dependent on technology and having access to it. A smartphone or laptop provides access to resources for study and entertainment, easier and cheaper transport and quick answers to questions.
Giving
Charities are always happy to accept donations to fund their work, including self-help schemes. Why not team up with others to support the work of a charity which connects with your own interests? This could be through fundraising or volunteering your time.
Ideas and innovation
You may have an idea for how something might work better and more fairly within your school or local community. You may not be able to influence national policy (yet), but work of this kind will increase your confidence that change can happen.
Career choice
In a few years’ time, after further study, it will be your turn to enter the world of work. Which jobs are you considering that would allow you to make a positive difference to equality and fairness of people around the world? What vocational skills could you develop now?
6 In what ways can the world become a fairer
Activism
If you have an interest in activism in support of something you are passionate about, could that become part of your purpose in life, either now or later? Perhaps you could turn your dissatisfaction into action. Other young people have started with individual actions. For example, Kids against Plastic started with Amy and Ella Meek setting themselves a challenge to clean up their local area. You may also have heard of Malala Yousafzai or Autumn Peltier.
Adult influence
As you approach adulthood, your influence will increase. Your involvement in politics will increase your ability to shape political and social systems in your own area and beyond. Your ideas for how you might best use this extra influence can start taking shape now, while you are in education. In what areas of your life are you able to support others and ensure fair treatment?
Activities
1 What could be done to reduce unfairness within your own school community?
2 What activism have you taken part in so far? Think about charity work, being part of school councils, volunteering or being on a committee.
Key term
Activism: Action in support of a campaign or purpose.
3 For one of the three jobs shown in Figure 6.26, suggest how people doing those jobs could work to reduce unfairness within society.
▲ Figure 6.27 Think about how you will use your geographical knowledge and skills to make the world a fairer place.
▼ Figure 6.26 Think about the careers shown below and how they might support making the world fairer.