CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL ISSUES

● Social issues are defined as wide spread behavior that a large section of the population
thinks is unacceptable.

TYPES OF SOCIAL ISSUES

Juvenile Delinquency
● Anti-social and sometimes criminal behavior carried out by young people.

Factors which contribute to juvenile delinquency:

● Abusive home
● Poor parent-child communication
● Negative peer pressure.

Delinquency may be avoided if:

● Parents receive counseling or training
● Child experiences a loving or nurturing environment
● After school facilities are provided (eg: Tutoring clubs, mentorship programs, community
service)
Street Children
● Children which are deprived of homes, affection, protection, food, and education. They
suffer from poor health and are often exposed to violence.

Ways to prevent street children:

● Parents receive training to prevent problems that can lead to children leaving home
● Assistance is given to families struggling with poverty

Strategies to prevent problems street children experience:

● Provide foster parents/ homes
● Provide counseling to assist with trauma
● Provide skill training centers (HEART)

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

● STIs are passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

Two most dangerous STIs:

● HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
● AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Infection rates can be reduced by:

● Receiving good sex education
● Getting access to items that prevents transmission (Condoms)

HOW TO PREVENT SOCIAL ISSUES

Prevent the problem that gives rise to the issue in the first place. By:
● Providing individuals with the attitude and skills to help them avoid poor choices.
● Creating and enforcing laws to protect society and individuals.

Who can take action to help?

● Individuals
● Government
● Social Agents (Organizations)
● Charities

One law that protects the family:

● The Children and Families Act
 SOCIAL GROUPS
Social Group Definition:
● A social group refers to a collection of 2 or more individuals who interact with one
another, have common loyalty, and identify as a group.

TYPES OF SOCIAL GROUPS

Primary Group (Accepting)

● This is a small social group whose members share close, personal, enduring relationships.

Secondary Group (Not so accepting)

● This is a large group whose relationship is impersonal, goal oriented, and temporary.

Formal Group
● This is a work group that is defined by an organization based on its hierarchical structure.

Informal Group
● This is a group which is created naturally based on individual’s interactions with each
other that share common interests.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOCIAL GROUP

● Common interest ideals

● Similar behavior for achieving common goals
● Group norms/rules

OTHER TYPES OF GROUPS

Peer Groups
● Made up of people of a similar age who share a similar social status and interests,
experiences, and values.
-Peer Pressure: The influence a peer group places on an individual to conform to the values and
behavior of the group.
Interest Groups
● A group of individuals who share an interest.
● May exist to protect its members’ interests and sometimes be involved in activities to
influence the public’s opinion.
● Eg: Farmers, Hotel Owners

Pressure Groups
● These seek to influence public opinion/policy.
● Usually involved with issues affecting those outside their membership.
● Eg: Protestors

INSTITUTION

What is an Institution?
● A group or organization that has specific roles, norms and expectations which functions
to meet social needs of society.
● Eg: Government, Family

Institutional Organizations
● An organization that is an institution is a secondary social group and formal social group.

CHARACTERISTICS OF INSTITUTIONS

● Has an hierarchical structure

● Has a specific function
● Has written rules and sanctions

SOCIAL CONTROL

What is Social Control?

● Social control refers to the ways societies make sure people behave properly and follow
the rules.

Formal Social Control

● Guided by written rules or laws which provide sanctions for deviant or criminal behavior.
● They are reinforced by: The Police, A Dean of Discipline or Principal
Informal Social Control
● Guided by norms, values, and beliefs of a society.
● The society/group determines what is right or wrong behavior and reinforces them
accordingly.
● Examples of types of social control: Looks of disgust, The nod of a head
● Agents: Parents, peers, community members

TYPES OF SOCIAL CONTROL

● Control exists to ensure that members conform to expected patterns of behavior.

● Types of control are: Laws, norms, mores, rules, and folkways.

Laws
● Institutionalized norms set in writing and carry severe penalties.

Norms
● Ways of behaving shared by most members of a group, class, or culture,

Mores
● Norms which deal with respect for life and property.

Rules
● May be written or unwritten and they prescribe how people should behave.

Folkways
● Norms which have weak sanctions.
● Eg: Dressing up to go to church

LEADERSHIP
What is leadership?
● Good leadership ensures that the group’s goals will be set and achieved.
● Leaders should be able to: adapt easily, communicate effectively, and be dedicated to the
group’s aim.
 ● TYPES OF LEADERSHIP

Democratic/Participative (Nice)
● The democratic leader: Shares decision-making with others, accepts suggestions from
others, utilizes talents and experiences of others.

Authoritarian/Autocratic (Jerk)
● The autocratic leader: Does not share decision-making, makes all the decisions and
informs the group, does as he or she sees fit.

Laissez-faire (Lazy)
● Under this leadership: Group members tend to function on their own, pays little attention
to the goals of the group, and leader involvement is minimal.

Authority
● The power of a leader to influence others and get things done.

THREE MAIN TYPES OF AUTHORITY

Traditional
● This is God-given and usually through birth.

Charismatic
● This exists where the leader heads a new social movement rebelling against the
established order and rejecting traditional values.

Rational Legal
This rests in the hierarchical position of the person in an organization.

GOVERNMENT

What is Government?
● A group of people with the authority to govern a country or state.
FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT

Legislative Function:
● The government has the responsibility to make laws for the country.
● The legislative function involves the formulation, enactment, and amendment of laws
through the legislative branch of government, such as a parliament or congress.

Executive Function:
● The executive function involves the administration of the state, including the execution of
laws, management of public resources, and decision-making processes.
● This function is typically carried out by the executive branch, which includes the head of
state, such as a president or prime minister, and the various government ministries and
agencies.

Judicial Function:
● The government ensures the interpretation and application of laws through the judicial
system.
● The judicial function involves the resolution of legal disputes, the protection of individual
rights, and the administration of justice.
● Courts, judges, and other legal authorities play a crucial role in this function.

THE PARLIAMENT

What is the parliament?

● A legislative body or institution that represents the citizens of a country and has the
authority to make laws, debate public policies, and oversee the functioning of the
government.
● The parliament is made up of two houses: The Upper House/Senate, and The Lower
House/The House of Representatives.

The Senate (The Upper House)

●

CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY

REPUBLICAN
ELECTION AND VOTING BEHAVIOR

QUESTIONS
1.Which type of social group is characterized by close, personal, and enduring relationships?
a) Primary Group
b) Secondary Group
c) Formal Group
d) Informal Group

2. What is the term for the influence a peer group places on an individual to conform to the
values and behavior of the group?
a) Social control
b) Group norms
c) Peer pressure
d) Social institution

3. Which type of group seeks to influence public opinion or policy and is involved with issues
affecting those outside their membership?
a) Primary Group
b) Secondary Group
c) Interest Group
d) Pressure Group

4. What is the main purpose of an institution?

a) To ensure social control
b) To provide social support
c) To meet social needs of society
d) To enforce laws and regulations

5. Which type of social control is guided by written rules or laws and is reinforced by institutions
like the police?
a) Formal social control
b) Informal social control
c) Peer pressure
d) Group norms
6. What type of leadership style shares decision-making with others and utilizes the talents and
experiences of group members?
a) Democratic/Participative
b) Authoritarian/Autocratic
c) Laissez-faire
d) Traditional

7. Which type of authority rests in the hierarchical position of a person in an organization?

a) Traditional authority
b) Charismatic authority
c) Rational Legal authority
d) Legislative authority

8. Which branch of government has the responsibility to make laws for the country?
a) Legislative branch
b) Executive branch
c) Judicial branch
d) Parliamentary branch

9. What is the role of the judicial function of government?

a) Execution of laws
b) Administration of justice
c) Interpretation of laws
d) Making public policies

10. What are the two houses of parliament called?

a) Upper House/Senate and Lower House/House of Representatives
b) Primary House/Assembly and Secondary House/Council
c) Executive House/President and Legislative House/Congress
d) Judiciary House/Courts and Administrative House/Agencies

11. What are the factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency?

a) Lack of education and employment opportunities
b) Strict parenting and discipline
c) Abusive home and poor parent-child communication
d) Positive peer pressure and community support

12. How can delinquency be avoided in young children?

a) Providing foster parents and homes
b) Encouraging negative peer pressure
c) Providing after-school facilities and mentorship programs
d) Limiting parental involvement and communication

13. Street children are deprived of which of the following?

a) Affection and protection
b) Proper education and healthcare
c) Ample food and shelter
d) All of the above

14. What strategies can be employed to prevent problems experienced by street children?
a) Providing skill training centers
b) Offering counseling to assist with trauma
c) Assisting families struggling with poverty
d) All of the above

15. Which two STIs are considered the most dangerous?

a) Gonorrhea and syphilis
b) Chlamydia and herpes
c) HIV and AIDS
d) Hepatitis B and HPV

16. How can infection rates of STIs be reduced?

a) Encouraging abstinence from sexual contact
b) Receiving good sex education
c) Promoting monogamous relationships
d) Accessing items that prevent transmission, such as condoms

17. What actions can be taken to prevent social issues?

a) Providing individuals with attitude and skills to avoid poor choices
b) Creating and enforcing laws to protect society and individuals
c) Only individuals can take action; government and social agents are not involved
d) All of the above

18. Which law protects the family?

a) The Children and Families Act
b) The Youth Criminal Justice Act
c) The Education Act
d) The Child Protection Act
 MULTIPLE CHOICE ANSWERS
1. a) Primary Group
2. c) Peer pressure
3. c) Interest Group
4. c) To meet social needs of society
5. a) Formal social control
6. a) Democratic/Participative
7. c) Rational Legal authority
8. a) Legislative branch
9. b) Administration of justice
10. a) Upper House/Senate and Lower House/House of Representatives
11. c
12. c
13. d
14. d
15. c
16. d
17. d
18. a

SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. What is the purpose of the government in a country?

2. Explain the concept of a constitutional monarchy and provide an example.
3. What is the role of the Senate in a bicameral legislature?
4. Describe the functions and responsibilities of the House of Representatives.
5. How are members of the House of Representatives elected?
6. Define the term "republican" in the context of government.
7. How does voting behavior influence election outcomes?
8. Discuss the importance of political parties in the electoral process.
9. Explain the concept of proportional representation in elections.
10. How does the structure of government differ in a unitary state compared to a federal
state?
11. Describe the main features of a parliamentary system of government.
12. What are the key differences between a presidential and a parliamentary system?
13. How does the separation of powers contribute to the functioning of a government?
14. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a two-party system in a democracy.
15. Explain the concept of checks and balances in a government.
16. How does the government in the Caribbean differ from other regions?
17. Describe the political structure and governance in a specific Caribbean country.
18. What is the role of the prime minister in a parliamentary system of government?
19. Discuss the importance of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law in a country.
20. How does the concept of federalism impact the government structure in the Caribbean?
21. Explain the concept of citizen participation in a democratic government.
22. Describe the process of amending a constitution in a democratic system.
23. How do political ideologies influence government policies and decision-making?
24. Discuss the impact of media on shaping public opinion and influencing elections.
25. Explain the concept of separation of church and state in a government.
26. Describe the role of interest groups in influencing government decisions.
27. How does the government ensure the protection of individual rights and freedoms?
28. Discuss the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
29. Explain the concept of a coalition government and its implications.
30. Describe the impact of globalization on the role and functions of governments.
31. Define government.
32. List and explain the functions of government.
33. What is the legislative function of the government?
34. Describe the executive function of the government.
35. Explain the judicial function of the government.
36. What is the parliament?
37. How many houses make up the parliament?
38. Define social issues and provide an example.
39. What are the factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency?
40. Name two types of social issues discussed in the information.
41. How can delinquency among young people be prevented?
42. Describe the characteristics of street children and the challenges they face.
43. What strategies can be implemented to prevent problems faced by street children?
44. Name two sexually transmitted infections discussed and explain their significance.
45. How can the infection rates of sexually transmitted infections be reduced?
46. What are some ways to prevent social issues from arising in the first place?
47. Who can take action to address social issues and prevent their occurrence?
48. Provide an example of a law that protects the family, as mentioned in the information.
49. What is a social group?
50. Define a primary group.
51. Describe a secondary group.
52. What is a formal group?
53. Explain the concept of an informal group.
54. What are peer groups?
55. How do peer groups influence individuals?
56. Define interest groups and provide an example.
57. What are pressure groups and give an example.
58. What is an institution?
59. Describe the characteristics of an institution.
60. What is social control?
61. Differentiate between formal and informal social control.
62. Name and explain the types of social control.
63. Define laws and provide their purpose.
64. What are norms?
65. Explain the concept of mores.
66. Define rules and provide an example.
67. What are folkways?
68. What is leadership?
69. Describe the democratic/participative style of leadership.
70. Explain the characteristics of an authoritarian/autocratic leader.
71. Define laissez-faire leadership.
72. What is authority?
73. Name and describe the three main types of authority.