CONTENTS Page 4 What is Equality Page 6 Why is Equality Important Page 8 What is Diversity Page 10 Why is Diversity Important Page 12 What is Racism Page 16 Case Study Ruby Bridges Page 18 Religious Discrimination Page 22 Sexism Page 26 Other Types of Discrimination Page 28 Moving Past Inequality Page 30 Think About It Page 31 Glossary Page 32 Index Words in bold can be found in the glossary on page 31
WHAT IS EQUALITY Not every person in the world is treated equally The way someone is treated depends on many things such as where they live what they believe and how they look In some areas of the world people such as women are paid less for doing the same job as other people In other areas people can't practice their religion freely Sometimes two people who have committed the same crime will be given different prison sentences because of their race or the place they live Treating people differently because of their beliefs gender race physical ability age or wealth is called discrimination Discrimination happens in every country around the world It is one way that inequality exists THE OPPOSITE OF EQUALITY IS INEQUALITY A truly equal society is one where everyone is treated and valued the same despite differences in their race culture sex age wealth or religion This man is Sikh which means that he follows the religion of Sikhism There are places in the world where he could face discrimination because of the religion he follows
It can be difficult to describe what equality means However there are three main areas where equality is usually seen as most important They are Rights Rights are things that everyone should be allowed to do if they want to They include things like being able to vote speak freely and go to school Opportunities Opportunities are the chances that people have to do certain things such as going to college and getting a job Status A person's status can refer to the way they are viewed by other people in society Everyone in a society should be considered equal to everyone else No person should be viewed as better or worse than another person because of their beliefs gender race physical ability age or wealth Children have the right to go to school but there are places in the world where not everyone has the same opportunities to receive an education IN 2014 AROUND 263 MILLION CHILDREN AND YOUTH DID NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND SCHOOL AFRICA HAD THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL
