Social Studies
Grade Six
Content/Concepts
National Identity
Concepts:
Nation, identity, history, environment, needs/wants, economy,
symbols
A national identity evolves over time within a context of:
- historical experiences
- social environment (proximity of neighbouring countries, influences of other peoples)
- physical environment (geographic location, climate,
vegetation,resources)
- economics
A country's national identity is reflected in its
- language(s)
- national symbols (flags, anthems, coat-of-arms, etc.)
- rituals
- sports, sporting events
- aesthetics (dance, music, drama, art, literature)
- religion(s)
- currency
- monuments
- holidays
- dress
- market place
- standard of living
Content/Concepts
Identity of Minority Groups
Concepts:
Identity, minority group, needs/wants, stereotype, change
The concept of "minority group" refers to the social condition (eg:
power, wealth) of a group rather than its numbers.
Minority groups to consider:
- Children
- The aged
- People lacking basic necessities
- People with disabilities
- Women
- Ethnic minorities
- Regional minorities
The social conditions surrounding the minority group are usually
seen to be inferior to the conditions enjoyed by the majority.
The group usually has needs and wants not met by the existing
social structure.
Stereotypical views, prejudicial attitudes, and discriminatory
practices often hinder the group from achieving its goals.
Stereotypical views are often reinforced by the media.
Minority group status may affect individual identity.
A person may belong to several minority groups.
Many different minority groups exist in most societies.
Minority groups may have similar needs and wants.
Many minority groups along with human rights organizations and
governments are working to change the social structures that perpetuate existing problems (e.g. unemployment, inferior housing, discrimination in the workplace).
Content/Concepts
Minority Groups and Social Organizations
Concepts:
Identity, organizations rules/laws, change, fairness,
participation
Organization: Definition
An organization is a group of persons united for some public
or social purpose. It is regulated by rules, laws, customs
and/or values. An organization may be an institution.
Suggested organizations that address minority group issues: (See Activity Guide for a more extensive list)
Children
- 4-H Clubs, Brownies, Native Friendship Centres, Save the
Children, UNICEF, Foster Parents Plan
The aged
- Churches, Senior Citizens Organizations,
Health Organizations
People lacking basic necessities
- Red Cross, Salvation Army, UNICEF,
United Way, YW/MCA, Food Bank
People with disabilities
- Health Organizations, Special Olympics,
Abilities Council
Women
- Saskatchewan Action Committee,
Aboriginal Women's Council
Ethnic minorities
- Churches, community organizations
Regional minorities
- Governments, Assembly of First Nations,
Amnesty International
Content/Concepts
Identity of an Organization
The identity of an organization may be defined by its purpose,
membership, rules/laws, how it has changed, and how people
participate
.
Purpose
- What minority group is the organization
associated with?
- What are the needs it attempts to
meet?
- Whose needs does it attempt to meet (those
of its members or the needs of others)?
- How does it do it?
Membership
- Who belongs to it?
- How do people become members?
- What do the people have in common?
- How are the people of the minority group
involved?
- What are the members' rights and
responsibilities?
Rules/Laws (Traditions)
- What are its rules?
- What purposes do its rules serve?
- How are the rules enforced?
- Are there outside rules it has to adhere
to?
Change
- Has it changed over time?
- Is it organized differently in different
places?
Participation
- How do people participate?
- How do the participants benefit?
- How do others benefit?
- What can I do to make this a better
organization?
Content/Concepts
Optional
A Personal Identity
Concepts:
Identity, self, lifestyle
A personal identity is shaped within a context of:
- history (cultural background, events)
- a social milieu (family, peers, media,
school)
- a physical environment (location,
climate)
- needs and wants
A personal identity is expressed through one's lifestyle and may
include:
- language
- occupation
- economic status
- social status
- leisure activities
- interests
- involvement in organizations
- past experiences
- standard of living
One's personal identity may be similar in many ways to those of
others.