Exercise 4.2. – Difference

Living Democracy » Textbooks » Teaching Democracy » Chapter 4 – Perceiving others » Exercise 4.2. – Difference

Educational objectives

The students experience difference and understand that difference is rooted in social structures.
Experience of difference is crucial in adolescence. Young people want to attract attention, be recognised by adults and respected by other people. An important aspect of forming identity in adolescence is the separation from adults, particularly parents.
The students understand that there are so many biological differences that no one can identify them all. For example, it is impossible to say that one form of intelligence is superior to another. Differences that matter between people are rooted in society – for example by values, social Status or social change. In classes in which students belong to cultural minorities, it is a good opportunity for these students to show them in a non-discriminating context.

Resources

A large sheet of paper.

Procedure

The teacher lists as many types of differences between people as possible on a large sheet of paper.
The class is divided into four groups. Each team lists a particular type of difference:
- physical differences
- psychological differences
- social differences
- cultural differences.
Assessment: students think about the differences between people:
- “I realise that I know …
- … but I’ve learned …
- My greatest surprise was …”

Extension

The teacher explains why human beings are both similar and different.

Students imagine, in writing, two situations in which it is difficult to experience difference. This can then be discussed with the whole class.

Exercise 4.1. - All different, all equal

Exercise 4.3. - True and false

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