In pursuit of social justice: careers guidance provision for muslim girls in England

Abstract

ABSTRACT

For many years, a liberal discourse of «equal opportunities» has continued to dominate challenges to racist, sexist and inequitable practices. The desire to treat «everyone the same» is a common strand in which the universal needs of the «many» are set against the differentiated needs of the «few». The authors suggest that this discourse is too individualistic and inward looking, failing to acknowledge and adequately accommodate the social dimensions which exist within a culturally diverse society. It is  argued  that  a  broader  social  justice  philosophy  should  be  adopted  which  is  critically  located, politically informed and sensitive to cultural diversity and differentiated needs. This article considers how  the  «equal  opportunities»  discourse  has  influenced  much  careers  guidance  practice  amongst English Careers Services in relation to the career guidance needs of Muslim girls. Finally it draws upon recent research, to highlight the possibilities presented by the adoption of a critical social justice approach.