Benefits of Human Rights Education in Schools

As discussed by the two articles in the reading, a curriculum that includes the study of human rights creates a better functioning society. A society educated in human rights leads to a citizenry that is better equipped in a democratic society. I think the Gaudell and Fernekes article makes an interesting point about this in its mention of counter-socialization. This learning process of counter-socialization encourages social criticism in students and enables them to question the dominant ways of their society. Any principles learned as a child now come under scrutiny as young adults and are assessed in their true worth. Students are now developed with a life-long social consciousness in which they become independent and critical thinkers. Under any circumstance, the ability to think both independently and critically is vital to functioning in a democratic society. As the article mentions, this process of counter-socialization is essential to the development of active citizens dedicated to democratic practice. And this process is only enhanced by a human rights education.
Here in America, the depth of our human rights education is restricted to learning about the Constitution or the Civil Rights Era. My own school system can attest to this. Aside from the Holocaust, few teachings included any mention of international events or cultures. The few lessons that did, left no mention of any injustices the communities may have faced. After these readings, we now know that a curriculum with a human rights based approach can only enhance the learning experience of students. They not only become more aware of their own rights, but more respectful and defensive of the rights of the international community.