Humanities Unit 2: Prejudice & Persection Key Words

The policy of the South African government from 1948 to 1990, which said that different racial groups should live seperately; and have their own services and facilities (such as housing, education, health care, transport and leisure facilities).

Treating an individual or group differently from the rest of the group or population. An example of discrimination is a particular ethnic group being stopped and searched by the police much more often than other groups.

The national wealth and material success of a society or country. This can refer to levels of employment, average wages, access to resources and level of international trade.

A word describing religious beliefs which treat the words of the sacred texts (for example, the Bible and the Qur'an) as being literally true.

Wiping out a group completely, by deliberate killing or removing vital resources (food, water and medical care) so it cannot survive.

Where one country takes control of the governments, economics and legal systems of other territories/countries in the world in order to extend its own power.

Less good than others.

Racial discrimination which takes place unconsciously, in state and commercial organisations (for example, education system, police forces, work places), as a result of widely held stereotypes among their members.

Not accepting or respecting different opinions, behaviour or people.

The belief that your country and culture are superior to others. This belief can lead to the idea that other cultures and ethnic groups are inferior and should be kept apart.

Victimising and mistreating a group or individual persistently over time. It can take many forms: verbal abuse, physical abuse, denial of rights, exclusion from certain places, torture, death and genocide.

A set of beliefs and values held by a political party. For example, the Nazi Party believed that the Germans were the Aryan race which was superior to all other races in the world. Therefore they believed that the German people should dominate the world.

An attitude or opinion about an individual or a group which is formed without having all the facts. Prejudice means to pre-judge someone. A prejudice is usually negative (though it can be positive, for instance, believing that all celebrities are people to be admired). Prejudices often influence the way people behave towards other people.

Prejudice based on the myth that race is the main factor determining human personalities and abilities. Racism includes the belief that one race is superior or inferior to another.

The blaming of an individual or a group for some problem which has nothing to do with them. A scapegoat is an individual or group who is wrongly blamed for something.

Organising a community so that certain groups are separated. They live, work, go to school, shop and eat in separate places, and the intention is that the group do not meet on a social level.

A simple generalised belief about a type of person or a group of people which does not take into account individual differences.

Believing that everyone in a particular social or cultural group is the same, and has the same attitudes, ablities and characteristics.

Better than others.

Discrimination that is the result of deliberate intention, for example, to undermine, attack or even destroy a specific group.

The deliberate and organised harassment and murder of people.

An act of aggression which is intended to cause pain.

A series of co-ordinated actions which work towards particular objectives.

The existence of people who share a story or group identity.

The act of creating an empire by invading other countries.

Information which is used to influence others’ opinions. It may ‘bend’ the facts or not tell the whole story.