Alan Paton's literature and the teaching of social justice

In this article consideration is given to the value of teaching Alan Paton's literature with regard to the issue of social justice, a concept that underpins much of the current school curriculum. The nature of social justice is examined, as expressed in the theories of John Rawls, Robert Nozick, John Gray and Martha Nussbaum, and there is an exploration of the features and complexities of the concept. Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country (1948. London: Jonathan Cape) and Debbie Go Home (1961. London: Jonathan Cape) are examined in an attempt to assess their relevance with regard to the current school curriculum, in relation to the concept of social justice.