Social issues

Question 1

Kurt Lewin (1890-1947)

Answer 1

Pioneer of social psychology
Developed the field theory
Emphasised the interplay between personal characteristics (habits, beliefs) and environmental elements (physical environment, social situations and group dynamics)
Societal aspects of human behaviour

Question 2

Violence

Answer 2

Begins when one person fails to esteem the other person, stops respecting the other person’s dignity and starts to abuse them

Question 3

Metaphorical forms of violence

Answer 3

Structural violence
Psychological violence
Violence of poverty
Metaphorical forms of violence are often the source of physical violence

Question 4

Kinds of violence

Answer 4

Violence for material gain
Domestic violence
Sexual violence
State and collective violence
Self-directed violence

Question 5

Theoretical approaches to violence

Answer 5

Instinct/ biological approaches
Frustration-aggression approaches
Observational learning approaches

Question 6

Repercussions of violence

Answer 6

Fragmentation and destroying important linkages and relationships in communities
Undermines people’s ability to fulfill their appropriate functions in their groups/ communities
Alienating effects in society
Has a negative effect on children - maladjusted behaviour

Question 7

Interrelated aspects of alienation

Answer 7

• The fear you/friends/family will form victim to violence
• Avoidance of formerly spontaneous behaviours
• Experience of being at mercy of forces beyond your control
• Gives rise to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, lack of commitment and mistrust of people

Question 8

Discrimination

Answer 8

Happens when the belief system of stereotypes and prejudices are translated into practices that result in privilege, status and power for one group at the expense of others

Question 9

Modern racism

Answer 9

• Unwittingly perpetuating negative stereotypes
• Apparently supporting equality while resisting its implementation through some kind of rationalisation
• Implementing non-racial policies yet withholding vital enablers of performance
• Maintaining distance in interpersonal interaction
• Passively resisting support for another person by withholding normal support actions