Social Action

Question 1

What is ‘social action’?

Answer 1

“Doing something/a behaviour to help create positive change and improve human welfare”

At an individual level or by contributing to an organised group to advocate for change on a larger scale - many of the inequalities experienced around the world can be addressed by taking social action.

Question 2

Justify why people may take social action

Answer 2

• Because social action raises awareness of other’s situations, particularly those less fortunate
• Because it may help to prevent harm to community and/or environment
• Because social action tends to focus on minority groups who may be ignored or discriminated against

Question 3

Name 4 ways to engage in social action

Answer 3

D - Donate
P - Purchasing power
R - Raise awareness
V - Volunteer

Question 4

Describe ‘donate’ as a way of engaging in social action including an example

Answer 4

Giving resources, usually money to fund development programs and/or provide emergency assistance

E.g. donate a monthly amount of money to World Vision to sponsor a child i.e. providing them with access to education

NOTE: must say what is being donated and what it is likely to be used for

Question 5

Describe ‘purchasing power’ as a way of engaging in social action including an example

Answer 5

Consumers buy products that support actions to promote social change:
- purchasing products where % of cost is donated to a cause
- purchasing products which are ethically sourced
- boycotting/not purchasing certain products/brands which are not environmentally friendly or exploit workers rights

E.g. ensuring purchase only fair trade coffee

Question 6

Describe ‘raising awareness’ as a way of engaging in social action including an example

Answer 6

Find out more about social issues and implement an awareness campaign e.g. social media, online petitions, etc. to ensure more people are aware of issues that need support.

E.g. ‘Push Up Challenge’ on social media to raise awareness for mental health.

Question 7

Justify why individuals may donate as a way to engage in social action

Answer 7

Because most Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) rely on public donations to carry out their work

Question 8

Justify why individuals may raise awareness as a way to engage in social action

Answer 8

Because community support can be a powerful way to show the leaders of countries that people around the world are watching and following - politicians are often forced to take notice when public support is present.

Because educating the community on an issue may increase support e.g. funds, resources donated, time volunteered

Question 9

Justify why individuals may use their purchasing power as a way to engage in social action

Answer 9

Because supporting certain products can help to promote social change and raise funds

Because boycotting certain products can help to combat negative outcomes re how the product if made, how the workers are treated or the impact of the product on the environment.

Question 10

Justify why individuals may volunteer as a way to engage in social action

Answer 10

Because it can help to gather funds and resources used to provide aid to support disadvantaged groups.

Question 11

Describe ‘volunteering’ as a way of engaging in social action including an example

Answer 11

Giving time to assist in raising funds or helping a program (free of payment) which is designed to help improve the lives of others and their communities.

E.g. ‘shaking tins’ at traffic lights to raise funds for Red Cross

NOTE: must say what time is being used to do