NCEA Level 3 Social Studies key terms

A structured process of asking questions, gathering and evaluating evidence, and forming reasoned conclusions about people and society. It usually moves from a focus question through research to a justified response or action.

Grasping the big ideas that sit beneath specific facts, so a learner can explain why something happens and apply the idea in a new setting. It contrasts with memorising isolated details.

The viewpoint from which a person or group interprets events, shaped by culture, values, position and experience. Recognising different perspectives means explaining how and why accounts of the same event differ.

Deeply held beliefs about what matters, what is right and how people should behave. Values underpin the decisions of individuals, groups and institutions and often explain disagreement in social issues.

An overarching way of seeing and interpreting the world, including assumptions about human nature, knowledge and what is important. Worldviews are often implicit and shape how evidence is selected and read.

A connected set of ideas and beliefs about how society should be organised and governed. Ideologies offer explanations of social problems and prescribe solutions, and they shape political and economic debate.

A slant or partiality in how information is selected, presented or interpreted, which can distort conclusions. Bias may be deliberate or unconscious; identifying it requires examining sources and their purposes.

Information used to support or challenge a claim, such as statistics, documents, interviews, artefacts or observations. Strong evidence is relevant, accurate and sufficient for the conclusion being drawn.

The extent to which a source or piece of evidence can be trusted to give an accurate and consistent account. Judgements about reliability consider authorship, purpose, method, corroboration and the passage of time.

The believability of a source or claim, judged from the author's expertise, access to information and possible motivations. Credibility is assessed in context rather than assumed from status alone.

Weighing the strengths and limits of evidence, arguments and sources before reaching a judgement. It involves testing assumptions, checking for contradiction and explaining why some evidence carries more weight.

A broad statement that draws a pattern from several cases, going beyond a single example. Sound generalisations are qualified and supported by evidence; weak ones overreach from limited data.

An oversimplified, fixed image of a group that ignores individual differences and often carries evaluative judgement. Stereotypes can shape expectations, opportunities and treatment of group members.

A preconceived negative attitude toward a person or group based on group membership rather than individual evidence. Prejudice operates at the level of attitude and can be distinguished from discriminatory action.

Unequal treatment of people because of characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, age, disability or religion. It can be direct, indirect or institutional, and it is often prohibited by law.

An idea or category that is produced and sustained through social interaction rather than being a fixed natural fact. Recognising social construction helps explain how meanings and expectations change over time.

A shared expectation about acceptable behaviour in a particular group or situation. Norms may be informal, enforced through approval and disapproval, or formal, written into rules and law.

The lifelong process through which people learn the norms, values and skills of their society. Family, school, peers, media and other agents shape identity and behaviour, sometimes in conflicting ways.

How people understand and describe themselves, and how others categorise them. Identity is multiple and changing, combining personal experience with social categories such as ethnicity, gender and nationality.

The learned beliefs, values, customs, language and material practices shared by a group. Culture is dynamic, transmitted across generations and contested within groups as well as between them.

The range of differences among people within and between societies, including ethnicity, language, religion, ability and belief. Responses to diversity range from inclusion and accommodation to assimilation and exclusion.

The capacity to influence decisions, access resources and shape how others see the world. Power can be formal, held through office, or informal, held through wealth, knowledge, status or social networks.

Power that is recognised as legitimate by those subject to it, whether through law, tradition or expertise. Authority depends on acceptance, and it can be withdrawn when legitimacy is questioned.

The degree to which a decision, institution or government is accepted as rightful by those affected. Legitimacy may rest on legal process, tradition, consent or results, and it is central to debates about government action.

An established structure of rules and practices that organises social life, such as government, education, the family or the media. Institutions distribute roles, resources and power, and they can persist beyond individuals.

The processes and arrangements through which decisions are made and implemented for a group or society. Governance includes formal government but also informal networks, international bodies and community arrangements.

A system in which political power derives from the people, typically through elections and protected rights. Democracies vary in their institutions and are judged by participation, accountability and the rule of law.

The ways people take part in public decision-making, from voting and submitting to petitioning, protesting or joining community groups. Levels and patterns of participation reveal who is heard and who is excluded.

The space of voluntary associations and organisations between the state and the market, including charities, unions, churches and community groups. Civil society can mobilise citizens and hold institutions to account.

Deliberate action to influence decisions or public opinion on behalf of a cause or group. Advocacy uses evidence, lobbying, campaigning and media to persuade those with decision-making power.

An organised, sustained collective effort by people who share a grievance or goal and seek change or resist it. Movements use repertoires such as protest, petitions, boycotts and public campaigns.

Purposeful activity by individuals or groups intended to address a social issue or improve conditions. Social action can range from local volunteering to national campaigning and may involve challenging institutions.

Entitlements that people are owed, often protected by law and international agreements. Rights may be civil and political or economic and social, and disputes arise over their scope and enforcement.

Basic entitlements held by all people by virtue of being human, such as freedom from torture and rights to education and expression. They are set out in international instruments and monitored through law and advocacy.

Fairness in the distribution of resources, opportunities and outcomes, recognising that people start from different positions. Equity differs from identical treatment because it may require different support to reach fair results.

Uneven distribution of resources, opportunities or outcomes among people or groups. Inequality can be measured by income, wealth, health or education, and it interacts with power and social structures.

A formal, binding agreement between parties such as states or a state and indigenous peoples. Treaties create obligations and are interpreted in light of their text, context and subsequent practice.

The 1840 agreement between Māori rangatira and the British Crown, consisting of a Māori text and an English text with significant differences in meaning. It underpins contemporary debate about partnership, participation and protection in New Zealand.

The growing interconnection of economies, cultures and societies through trade, migration, communication and technology. It creates opportunities and pressures, and responses range from openness to protectionism.

Meeting present needs without undermining the ability of future generations to meet theirs, integrating environmental, social and economic considerations. It involves trade-offs that different groups weigh differently.