CSEC Social Studies key terms

The overall picture a person holds of their own abilities, qualities, and worth, built up from experiences, feedback from others, and comparison with peers.

The value or worth a person attaches to themselves, ranging from positive and confident to negative and doubtful, and shaped by success, praise, and criticism.

The sense of who a person is, including their values, beliefs, group memberships, and roles, which develops over time through social interaction and personal reflection.

The lifelong process through which people learn the norms, values, and behaviours expected in their society, first in the family and later through school, peers, and media.

A person or group that gives a child its earliest and most intimate lessons about values and behaviour, usually the family, which lays the foundation for later learning.

An institution or group outside the family, such as school, church, peer group, or media, that teaches norms and skills once the child begins wider social contact.

The set of behaviours and responsibilities a society considers appropriate for males and females, learned through family, school, and media and often changing over time.

A circle of people of similar age and status whose approval and example strongly influence a person's attitudes, dress, speech, and behaviour, especially during adolescence.

The total way of life of a group, including its language, beliefs, values, customs, food, music, and dress, passed from one generation to the next.

Shared rules and expectations that guide how members of a group should behave in particular situations, such as greeting elders politely or queueing in a line.

The beliefs a person or group holds about what is good, right, and worth pursuing, such as honesty, family loyalty, or respect for elders, which guide choices and judgements.

The existence of many different cultures, languages, and traditions within a society or region, which can enrich community life but also require tolerance and understanding.

A society made up of several distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups living together under one political system, as is common across the Caribbean.

A group of people who share a common ancestry, history, language, or cultural tradition and who see themselves, and are seen by others, as distinct.

An established system of roles and rules that meets a basic need of society, such as the family, school, church, government, or economy.

The basic social unit joined by blood, marriage, or adoption, which provides care, emotional support, and early socialisation for its members.

A reward for following social norms or a punishment for breaking them, ranging from praise and prizes to criticism, fines, or exclusion from the group.

The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the same known laws, which are applied fairly and without favouritism.

The fundamental set of rules and principles by which a state is governed, setting out the powers of government and the rights and duties of citizens.

The division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with distinct functions and checks on the others, to prevent the abuse of power.

The branch of government made up of courts and judges, which interprets the law, settles disputes, and ensures that laws are applied consistently and fairly.

The obligation of individuals and bodies to answer for their actions and decisions, so that those who hold power can be questioned and held responsible.

The practice of conducting public business openly, so that decisions, budgets, and processes can be seen and examined by citizens and the media.

The network of voluntary organisations, such as charities, churches, unions, and community groups, that operate independently of government and give citizens a voice.

The act of speaking out publicly on behalf of a cause or group, aiming to influence policy, raise awareness, and bring about change.

The Caribbean Community, a regional organisation of Caribbean states working together on trade, economic integration, education, health, and foreign policy matters.

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy, which allows goods, services, capital, and skilled workers to move freely among member states as one economic space.

The process by which neighbouring countries cooperate and combine resources, markets, and policies to strengthen their economies and bargaining power in world affairs.

The arrangement among CARICOM states removing barriers to trade and movement of skilled workers, capital, and businesses, aiming to create a single economic space.

The right of skilled CARICOM nationals, such as teachers, nurses, and artisans, to seek and take up work in another member state without a work permit.

The growing interconnection of countries through trade, investment, technology, and communication, which brings both opportunities and risks to small economies.

The removal or reduction of tariffs, quotas, and other barriers to international trade, allowing goods and services to move more freely between countries.

A large company that operates in several countries, often with headquarters in one state and production or services in others, influencing jobs and local economies.

Money invested by a company or individual from one country into business activity in another, often bringing capital, technology, and jobs to the host country.

The gap between people who have reliable access to computers and the internet and those who do not, limiting education, work, and participation in modern life.

Development that meets present needs without damaging the environment or using up resources needed by future generations, balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.

Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, largely caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases, which threaten low-lying Caribbean states with sea-level rise.

The basic freedoms and protections every person is entitled to simply by being human, such as life, liberty, education, and freedom from discrimination and torture.

The legal membership of a state that gives a person rights such as voting and protection, together with duties such as obeying laws and paying taxes.