Year 11 - Religious education
Buddhism, human rights and social justice
Issues of Human Rights
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will examine ideas of human rights and reponsibilities. They will examine ideas of religious expression, the status of women and issues related to wealth and charity. Pupils will gain an understanding of different Christian and non-religious responses to these issues.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Buddhist teachings guide attitudes and actions towards human rights and social justice.
Key Notes
- Buddhists believe all life has dignity and must be respected through compassion and non-harming.
- The Five Precepts and the Eightfold Path guide Buddhists to protect human rights and act ethically.
- Living according to the dhamma means taking practical steps to relieve suffering and promote fairness in society.
- Buddhists believe social justice is part of spiritual practice, not separate from personal development.
- Organisations like Rokpa show how Buddhist values of compassion and equality can be put into practice.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Dhamma (dharma): the teachings of the Buddha
- five precepts: five basic ethical guidelines for Buddhists
- metta (loving-kindness): a pure love which is selfless
- Right action: acting in a loving and peaceful way, part of the Eightfold Path
- Rokpa: a Buddhist charity that tackles social injustice
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Buddhism focuses on personal development.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Buddhists believe all life has dignity and must be respected through compassion and non-harming. The Five Precepts and the Eightfold Path guide Buddhists to protect human rights and act ethically.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Dhamma (dharma)'
the teachings of the Buddha.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Buddhism focuses on personal development. Correction: While personal spiritual growth is important in Buddhism, Buddhists are also taught to show compassion to others and to act to relieve suffering in society, making social action an essential part of their practice.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Buddhist attitudes to issues of wealth and poverty Study Guide
- Case study: Christian Aid Study Guide
- Case study: personal conviction vs the law Study Guide
- Censorship and freedom of religious expression Study Guide
- Christian attitudes to racial prejudice Study Guide
- Christian attitudes to wealth Study Guide
- Christianity, human rights and social justice Study Guide
- Christianity, prejudice and discrimination Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Religious education guide library.