Social

and Political Studies

Introduction
Arthur Pormes
Programme lesson 3
Notes about the four key concepts
Three questions about the key concepts
Outcome Top 3 social problems and assignment
Notes on the four features of a social problem

Homework: Read page 2.1 and 2.2 (page 16 19) from the course
book
Learning goals
You can:
describe the key concepts;
identify the key concepts in a context;
mention the four features of a social problem;
describe how social problems are related to each other;
explain that a government will unavoidably disappoint certain groups
of citizens.
The key concepts

Values (& norms)

Interests
Power
Frame of reference
Values and norms
Value: a basic principle that people consider important and to which
they want to aspire (e.g. freedom, equality, patriotism, tradition).

Norm: view on how people are supposed to behave based on a

certain value (e.g. Drive on the right side of the road; Dont smoke; Do
your homework).
Interests
Interest: something which is to the advantage of an individual or
group, due to their social position.

*The course book gives a different (wrong) definition

Power
Power: being able to forcibly influence the
behaviour of others.

Means of power: means to influence the behaviour of others (e.g. a

strike, a demonstration, weapons, freezing someone's bank accounts,
arresting someone, filing a law proposal, asking assistance from
powerful friends)
Frame of reference
Frame of reference: all the knowledge and
experiences that one possess and which
influences your perception.
 * Write your answers in your notebook
Questions * Work in pairs for 5 minutes
* Then we will discuss the answers

1. Give an example of a situation in which you have a different interest

than some else.
2. Honesty, freedom, equality, spiritual enlightment are mentioned on
page 11 as examples of values. Mention two other values that you
find important.
3. Give to three examples of people with formal power.
Brief assignment Top 3
What is, according to you,
the top 3 of social problems that the
Dutch government should address?

Please write them down on a small

piece of paper.
Features of a social problem:
1. Has consequences for large groups;
2. Is caused by social developments, changing situations;
3. Has to do with conflicting interests;
4. Demands a social/joint (political) solution.
What: Analysing social problems mentioned in this class
Time: 25 minutes (10 + 15 minutes)
How: In pairs, writing the questions and answers in your
notebook
Help: Teacher walks around
Result: Class discussion about possible answers
When done: Read in your course book 2.1 and 2.2 (page 16-19)
Assignment small group ( 2 persons)

1. Mention two specific examples of events that are related to each

of the three most frequently cited social problems.
2. Mention two examples of social problems related to other social
problems. Explain in what way.
3. Can you identify an underlying social problem to some of the
other social problems?
4. How can you explain that people in this class have different
opinions about the top 3 of social problems?