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ACT Humanities - Social Sciences

Here you will learn some English words related to social sciences, such as "caste", "militant", "activism", etc. that will help you ace your ACTs.

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ACT Vocabulary for Humanities
segregation

a social system or practice that keeps minority groups separate from the majority, often through separate facilities or services

Ex: Segregation in schools was common in the southern United States. 
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theory of mind

the understanding that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives that are different from one's own

Ex: Researchers use various tasks, such as the "Sally-Anne test," to assess theory of mind in both children and adults. 
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bureaucracy

an organizational structure characterized by strict procedures, rules, and regulations designed to manage complex tasks or activities efficiently

Ex: Bureaucracy in healthcare administration can sometimes hinder patient care due to lengthy approval procedures. 
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activism
activism
[noun]

the action of striving to bring about social or political reform, especially as a member of an organization with specific objectives

Ex: Her activism for environmental conservation has inspired many young people to join the cause. 
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agency
agency
[noun]

the capacity or power of an individual or entity to take action, make decisions, and influence or control their environment or circumstances

Ex: In literature, characters with agency drive the plot forward through their actions and decisions. 
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clan
clan
[noun]

a large group of people who are related to each other

Ex: The entire clan gathered for the annual family reunion, filling the park with laughter and shared memories. 
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chiefdom
chiefdom
[noun]

a form of sociopolitical organization in which a centralized authority governs a community or a collection of communities

Ex: In a chiefdom, the chief often inherits their position and wields considerable influence over the tribe's decision-making processes. 
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collective

a cooperative or united group of individuals, entities, or elements working together for a common purpose or interest

Ex: The collective of artists collaborated to create a mural that reflected the diversity and unity within their community. 
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to census
to census
[Verb]

to systematically collect and record demographic data about a population

Ex: The government censuses the population every ten years to gather vital demographic information. 
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demographic

the statistical characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, and ethnicity

Ex: The new marketing strategy aims to target a younger demographic. 
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status quo

the situation or condition that is currently at hand

Ex: The committee decided to maintain the status quo rather than implementing new changes. 
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industrialization

the process of developing and expanding industries within a region or country, involving the increased production of goods through the use of advanced machinery, technology, and organized labor

Ex: The Industrial Revolution marked a period of profound industrialization, introducing mechanized production methods. 
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militant
militant
[Adjective]

displaying violent acts for the sake of a social or political aim

Ex: She was known for her militant stance on animal rights, often participating in protests and direct actions. 
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nonconformity

the behavior or attitude that does not follow established norms, conventions, or expectations within a society or group

Ex: His nonconformity to traditional gender roles made him a pioneer in advocating for gender equality. 
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progressive
progressive
[Adjective]

supporting and encouraging positive change and advancement

Ex: She is known for her progressive views, always advocating for positive change and innovation. 
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socialization

the process through which individuals within a society or group learn and internalize behavior patterns, norms, values, and customs through interactions, education, and social experiences

Ex: Early childhood socialization plays a crucial role in shaping a person's personality and social skills. 
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civilization

a society that has developed its own culture and institutions in a particular period of time or place

Ex: Ancient Egypt is considered one of the greatest civilizations in history. 
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ethnicity
ethnicity
[noun]

the state of belonging to a certain ethnic group

Ex: The census form asked respondents to indicate their ethnicity. 
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civil right

any of the basic freedoms or rights that protect individuals from unfair treatment and ensure equality under the law, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, or other characteristics

Ex: Protecting civil rights ensures that every citizen has the opportunity to participate fully in society and enjoy equal access to employment, housing, and public services. 
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socioeconomic
socioeconomic
[Adjective]

referring to factors or conditions that involve both social and economic aspects

Ex: The study examined the socioeconomic disparities in access to healthcare. 
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urbanization

the process of people moving from rural areas to urban areas, resulting in the growth of cities and the expansion of urban areas

Ex: Rapid urbanization has changed many small towns. 
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suburban
suburban
[Adjective]

characteristic of or relating to a residential area outside a city or town

Ex: The suburban neighborhood was known for its quiet streets and spacious homes. 
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to marginalize

to treat a person, group, or concept as insignificant or of secondary or minor importance

Ex: Historically, indigenous communities have been marginalized and deprived of their land rights. 
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minority
minority
[noun]

a small group of people who differ in race, religion, etc. and are often mistreated by the society

Ex: The festival celebrated the traditions of local minority populations. 
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aristocracy

people in the highest class of society who have a lot of power and wealth and usually high ranks and titles

Ex: The event was attended by members of the aristocracy in elegant attire. 
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royalty
royalty
[noun]

kings and queens and any member of their families

Ex: She admired the intricate crowns and jewelry worn by the royalty in historical portraits. 
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metropolis

a large, important city that serves as a significant economic, political, or cultural center for a region or country

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infrastructure

the physical and organizational assets, such as roads, bridges, utilities, and public services, that support economic activity and daily life

Ex: The government invested billions in rebuilding the nation's aging infrastructure. 
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utopian
utopian
[Adjective]

referring to a vision of an ideal society, where everything is flawless or nearly perfect

Ex: In his novel, Thomas More envisioned a utopian society based on principles of equality and common property. 
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legitimacy

the quality of being acceptable by the law

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civil disobedience

the deliberate and nonviolent refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government or authority, typically as a form of protest

Ex: Mahatma Gandhi employed civil disobedience as a strategy to challenge British colonial rule in India. 
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to discriminate

to unfairly treat a person or group of people based on their sex, race, etc.

Ex: The company was accused of discriminating against women in its hiring practices. 
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to rehabilitate

to help someone to restore to a healthy and independent state after a period of imprisonment, addiction, illness, etc.

Ex: The program aimed to rehabilitate individuals with substance abuse issues, providing support for a drug-free life. 
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outcast
outcast
[noun]

a person who has been rejected or excluded from a social group or society, often due to their behavior, beliefs, or social status

Ex: After the scandal, she felt like an outcast among her former friends. 
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refugee
refugee
[noun]

a person who is forced to leave their own country because of war, natural disaster, etc.

Ex: The refugee camp provided shelter and basic necessities to displaced families. 
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indigenous
indigenous
[Adjective]

relating to the original inhabitants of a particular region or country, who have distinct cultural, social, and historical ties to that land

Ex: The government implemented policies to protect the rights and traditions of indigenous peoples living in remote areas. 
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patriarchal
patriarchal
[Adjective]

relating to a social system where men hold primary power and authority over women and families

Ex: The patriarchal society limited opportunities for women to participate in decision-making. 
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humble
humble
[Adjective]

having a low social rank or position, often characterized by modesty

Ex: Despite his humble beginnings, he rose to become a respected leader in the community. 
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to assimilate

to integrate into a new environment, often by adopting its language, norms, values, and practices

Ex: Immigrants often face challenges as they try to assimilate into a new society while preserving their cultural identity. 
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commune
commune
[noun]

a local administrative unit in certain countries, functioning as the smallest division of government

Ex: The mayor of the commune held a town hall meeting to discuss the new public transportation plans. 
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outskirts
outskirts
[noun]

the outer areas or parts of a city or town

Ex: Many families choose to live on the outskirts of the city to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still having access to urban amenities. 
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parish
parish
[noun]

an area with a church of its own that is under the care of a priest

Ex: The parish is known for its strong sense of community and active involvement in local charities. 
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cosmopolitan
cosmopolitan
[Adjective]

including a wide range of people with different nationalities and cultures

Ex: The city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere made it a melting pot of diverse cultures. 
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humanitarian
humanitarian
[Adjective]

showing concern for the well-being of people and acting to improve human welfare

Ex: She is known for her humanitarian work in disaster zones. 
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classist
classist
[Adjective]

marked by discrimination against or prejudice toward individuals or groups based on their social class

Ex: The company's hiring practices were criticized as classist because they favored candidates from elite universities. 
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caste
caste
[noun]

a system that divides the people of a society into different social classes based on their wealth, privilage, or profession

Ex: The caste system in India historically divided society into hierarchical groups based on birth, occupation, and social status. 
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echelon
echelon
[noun]

a level or rank in an organization, profession, or society, indicating a person's status or authority within that hierarchy

Ex: She worked hard for years to reach the upper echelons of the corporate world. 
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station
station
[noun]

a person's social rank or position within a structured hierarchy or society

Ex: Despite his humble station in life, he was respected for his integrity and hard work. 
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rat race
rat race
[noun]

a draining and stressful lifestyle that consists of constantly competing with others for success, wealth, power, etc. and so leaving no room for rest and pleasure

Ex: He left the rat race and moved to a small town by the sea. 
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