Pg 1 of 4 Student number : 45578656 Postal Address : P O Box 21 Module Code : EDC1015

Due date Student name Sarnia Assignment no

: 01 April 2010 : Mrs Melisha Schultz 3615 : 02

QUESTION 2 (To be answered by the Intermediate and Senior Phase group) How would you use your knowledge of critical theory to help you to solve the problem of a student who is being bullied by the others in the school? Present your answer under the following headings: 1. Introduction Briefly describe the problem and give reasons for your use of critical theory in solving it.

Betty is a new Afrikaans speaking student at an English school. She normally wears a hat at all times. She is constantly bullied; mores so after the wind blows her hat off, revealing her baldness. The students who torment her do not know of her illness and the bravery and strength required by her to survive on a daily basis because she suffers from Leukaemia. I will attempt to solve this epidemic using critical theory.
2. Content Discuss or critical theory briefly and show how you can use it to solve the problem.

The aims or purpose of critical theory is to create a society that is fair, promotes equality, realistic, reasonable, to promote a high level of morals, to abdicate discrimination of any kind, and to bring together all nations under the one flag of humanity, just to name a few. Critical theory brings about this change in society by being critical of the current and past societies and their principles. Critical theory also makes use of self-reflection, to bring about change on an individual basis. Critical theory aims to stop society or humanity, from being led down a certain path chosen by the few in power. It calls for people to look at what is wrong with the society, as well as how their actions and reactions, aid this error of humanity. Thus by changing our stand, our reactions, our actions our thoughts and motivations, we can slowly turn the wheel of change. Empathy is a great way to bring about a change for the better, for if we see others in the same light as we see ourselves, and if we grant others what we want for ourselves, and treat others as we would want to be treated, the world today would definitely be a safer, happier, stress free place and society would be just, and have a high moral code, as well that all nations would finally join under the umbrella of humanity. Critical theory calls on us to see that there are various ways of doing things. It calls for us to be open-minded and to be able to be brave enough to take the road less travelled, and to take the first step in a new direction. If the problem is too big we should break it apart, and solve the smaller underlying issues first.

I can show the students that although we each are different, we all at the end of the day want similar things. We all want to be loved, to be heard, to be protected, to be respected; to be allowed the freedom of choice, to be free to find out who we are and be just that, to be recognised as an individual with our own; thoughts, feelings, beliefs, sense of purpose and plans for the future. We want all this without the baggage of ridicule, of discrimination, of torture of any form; be it physical, metal or emotional. Apart from all this we all share a few desires that remain on top of the list; and that is: the desire to survive and thrive, and the fear of being hurt. By enabling the students to see things from Bettys view, they are shown the error of their ways. I would hope that apologies are made, and friendships created. Although we can not solve all forms of ridicule through reversal of roles and the appeal for empathy, we can always use it as a stepping stone to other solutions.

Pg 2 of 4 Student number : 45578656 Postal Address : P O Box 21 Module Code : EDC1015

Due date Student name Sarnia Assignment no

: 01 April 2010 : Mrs Melisha Schultz 3615 : 02

3. Conclusion Draw your own conclusion by referring to the advantages and disadvantages of critical theory in solving the problem.

Advantages of critical theory regarding problem solving: a) Helps clearly define personal power and weakness. The students who are bullied show their weakness by being scared of the bullies. The bullies show their power by continuously intimidating their victims. b) Encourages logical analysis. c) Calls for thorough analytical approach.

Disadvantages of critical theory regarding problem solving: a) Does not focus on emotions.

b) Ignores problems of power. c) Does not focus on ethics. Bullies pick on students because they feel they can!
4. Bibliography

a)

Bullying fact sheet series: Pdf format: June Arnett: 2006 Rethinking our world: Phillip Higgs & Jane Smith: Juta & Co: 2nd edition

b) EDC1015 Study guide: Unisa: 2009 c)

d) www.wikipedia.org Critical theory Last visited: 31-03-2010 e) www.127.pair.com/critical/d-ct.htm Defining the critical theory Last visited: 31-03-2010

QUESTION 3 Identify a problem in your community (General Education) which you think might be solved by relying on knowledge of feminism. Present your answer under the following headings: 1. Introduction Briefly describe the problem and give reasons for your use of feminism in solving it.

The problem: The shortage of educated and skilled independent women, from the following race groups: Indians, Afrikaner and Blacks through gender stereotyping.

Men are strong thus they lead, women are weak thus they follow! Culturally under these race groups, women do not play an important role, in fact in most cases, their role is nondescript, and are reliant on the alphamale to provide direction and purpose. Women are not seen as individuals with abilities to think, feel and operate on their own. Women are not taken seriously, even when they hold positions of leadership, by both males and the youth who are influenced by the male anti-female philosophy. To men, women are the weaker race. As a women, you are more likely overlooked regarding employment, not because of your race, skin colour, academic records, skills or lack thereof, but because you a women! On the small chance that a women is employed, she is paid less than males in the same position and skill level, although they both do exactly the same work.

Pg 3 of 4 Student number : 45578656 Postal Address : P O Box 21 Module Code : EDC1015

Question 2 continued...................... 2. Content Discuss feminism briefly and show how you can use it to solve the problem.

Due date Student name Sarnia Assignment no

: 01 April 2010 : Mrs Melisha Schultz 3615 : 02

After reading various write-ups on the topic, Im left with the feeling that feminism is a tool that brings to light and addresses the various anti-gender equality issues found in society today. The main focus is on issues such as sexual stereotyping, the sense of inferiority compared to men, and the lack of opportunity to participate in, and truly be part of this male dominated world. As well as to change that premise that it is meant to be a world ruled by men only and that women were not born to lead but follow. Feminisms intent is to ensure that the rules that man govern society with are the same, whether one is male or female, and that each is entitled to the same opportunities as the other. Feminisms aim in a nut shell is to bring about all round equality through change in mind set of both males and females. Males should see us equals, and women should stop believing that we are the weaker sex, and step up to the plate and let our strength, intelligence, abilities and capabilities shine. Feminism is not a play for power, rather a fight for power sharing and recognition. Women need to start thinking in a positive light. We should employ the belief that we can do it, and so much more! We need to show the males that put in the same circumstances as they are, we can do just as well, if not better. Women need to change the direction and perception of where our sex stands. We need to take the first steps. We need to eradicate the shackles of fear and oppression, and let our voice be heard. A cat will only eat the amount of food that it can digest, no matter how much food you put in the bowl! Once the cat is full it leaves. So to, women should say: Stop! Enough! We will take no more! When your head is pushed under water, it is up to you to push yourself up to the surface! Feminism is saying: The time is now react, reform and redirect!
3. Conclusion Draw your own conclusion by referring to the advantages and disadvantages of feminism in solving the problem.

It can eradicate the misconception that women are the weaker sex by: Advantages: a) Encouraging both women and men to re-evaluate their value systems.

b) Giving women courage. c) Bringing alternative ideas to light as possible solutions to social problems.

d) Providing women with enormous psychological and moral power.

It can create the principle of anti-males among females, thus creating another huge problem in society which can render all the steps forward null and void. Disadvantages: a) Dismisses or diminishes the power and affection of romantic love between men and women. b) It tends to portray all men as predatory. c) It may be perceived as idealising women.

Bibliography

a) b) c)

EDC1015: study guide: Unisa: 2009 Rethinking our world: Phillip Higgs & Jane Smith: Juta & Co: 2006 www.columbia.edu/cu/sister/South Africa.html Women Rights in the new South Africa Ramsey Beck

d)
e)

www.feministafrica.org/index.php/women-in-south-africa www.leadingwomenof africa.com

Pg 4 of 4 Student number : 45578656 Postal Address : P O Box 21 Module Code : EDC1015

QUESTIONNAIRE SURNAME AND INITIALS: Schultz M STUDENT NUMBER: 45578656 Home language: English Current occupation: Stay at home wife and mum as well as full time student. Age: 28 What is your opinion regarding the scope of the work covered in this module? Volume of work: Too much Themes covered: Just right Relevance for SA: Relevant International relevance: Relevant What aspect(s) of the module did you find the most interesting?

Due date Student name Sarnia Assignment no

: 01 April 2010 : Mrs Melisha Schultz 3615 : 02

Took a great liking to studies based on critical theory and feminism.

What aspect(s) of the module did you find the most boring?

I wouldnt say boring. There is a lot of information to take in. Found no interest in African philosophy.
What aspect(s) of the module frustrated you most and why?

Too much information to process, in too short a time!

What is (are) the most positive aspect(s) of the module in your opinion?

May help us better understand our students.

Do you have any suggestions for improving the module?

This module should be a year module.

How do you rate the tutorial letters generally?

Numbers received: too few Detail: Sufficient Level of difficulty: understandable Standard of content: acceptable.
How do you rate the study guide?

Level of difficulty: understandable Standard of content: too little content.

Please indicate technical errors, such as spelling mistakes, or any specific instance where the explanation in the study guide or tutorial letters appears to be illogical.

None at this time!

How long did it take you to work through this module?

Still busy