Prejudice and Discrimination

    OCR
    GCSE

    Examination of the intersection between secular human rights frameworks (specifically the UDHR 1948 and Human Rights Act 1998) and religious ethical systems. Candidates must analyze the theological basis for human dignity (e.g., Imago Dei), the tension between religious freedom and discrimination protections, and the application of religious duty regarding social justice, poverty, and political liberation.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Galatians 3:28 ('There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free...')
    • The Equality Act 2010 (Protected characteristics)
    • Martin Luther King Jr.'s application of Christian theology to Civil Rights
    • Genesis 1:27 (Imago Dei / Sanctity of Life)
    • 1 Timothy 2:12 (Scriptural basis for gender discrimination in some denominations)

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have stated a Christian view; now reference the specific Bible verse or Church teaching that supports it"
    • "Differentiate between the attitude (prejudice) and the action (discrimination) in your analysis"
    • "Your evaluation needs to weigh the arguments—why is the religious argument stronger or weaker than the secular one?"
    • "Avoid generalizing; specify whether you are referring to Catholic, Anglican, or Quaker perspectives"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit clear distinction between prejudice as a mindset and discrimination as an act/behaviour
    • Award marks for accurate citation of Sources of Wisdom and Authority (e.g., Galatians 3:28, Genesis 1:27)
    • Candidates must analyse the tension between scriptural inclusivity and historical/denominational exclusivity (e.g., women in priesthood)
    • Credit evaluation of the effectiveness of religious individuals (e.g., MLK, Desmond Tutu) in combating systemic discrimination

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For 'Discuss' questions (15 marks), ensure a logical chain of reasoning rather than a list of unrelated points
    • 💡Always explicitly identify the Source of Wisdom (Bible, Qur'an, Church teaching) rather than saying 'It says in the holy book'
    • 💡Allocate 20 minutes for the 15-mark essay; it carries 25% of the section marks
    • 💡Use the 'Farm/For/Against/Conclusion' structure to ensure balanced analysis in evaluation questions

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'prejudice' and 'discrimination' as interchangeable terms without defining the progression from thought to action
    • Asserting 'Christians believe...' without acknowledging denominational divergence (e.g., Catholic vs. Anglican views on gender)
    • Providing a purely sociological essay on racism without embedding theological arguments or SOWA

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Outline
    Describe
    Explain
    Compare
    Discuss
    Evaluate

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