Human Rights, Socio-Economic Challenges, and Wellness Review

A comprehensive vocabulary set covering South African human rights, socio-economic challenges, gender studies, human trafficking definitions, and physical wellness concepts.

Bill of Rights

Chapter 2 of the Constitution; protects dignity, equality, and freedom for all citizens.

Human Dignity

Every person has inherent worth and deserves respect.

Equality

No unfair discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, etc.

Freedom of Expression

Right to share ideas/art/press, but excludes hate speech, violence incitement, war propaganda.

Discrimination

Treating someone unfairly based on a personal characteristic.

Democracy

A system where citizens participate in decision-making, e.g. through voting.

Civic Accountability

Holding leaders responsible for their actions in office.

Constitution

The supreme law of South Africa that all other laws must align with.

Poverty

Lacking the financial resources/essentials for a minimum standard of living.

Unemployment

A structural lack of available jobs in the economy.

The Poverty Cycle

Poverty passed down generations through limited education and opportunity.

Inadequate Services

Lack of clean water, sanitation, or electricity.

Malnutrition

Insufficient nutrition leading to stunting or chronic illness.

Social Safety Net

Government grants providing relief to vulnerable people.

Skills Development

Training programmes matched to current job markets.

SME Support

Encouraging entrepreneurship to grow local economies.

Historical Inequality

Past systems (e.g. Apartheid) causing lasting economic/geographic divides.

Gender Roles

Flexible social norms assigned based on sex; change over time.

Gender Stereotypes

Rigid, oversimplified beliefs about how a gender "should" behave.

Toxic Masculinity

Pressure on men toward dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression.

Patriarchy

A social system where men hold most power and authority.

Gender Inequality

Unequal treatment or opportunity based on gender.

Sexism

Prejudice or discrimination based on sex/gender.

Human Trafficking

Illegal recruitment/transport of people via force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation.

Forced Labour

Exploitation through unpaid/coerced work (e.g. domestic servitude).

Sexual Exploitation

Forcing a person into sexual acts for another's benefit.

Organ Trafficking

Illegal removal/sale of human organs.

Grooming

Manipulating a vulnerable person to gain trust before exploiting them.

Document Confiscation

Traffickers taking IDs/passports to trap victims.

Vulnerability (trafficking context)

Factors like poverty or job-seeking that traffickers exploit.

Endorphins

Mood-boosting neurotransmitters released during exercise.

Cortisol

A stress hormone reduced through regular physical activity.

Stress Management

Techniques (like exercise) to reduce tension and anxiety.

Self-Esteem

A person's overall sense of self-worth.

Bodily Autonomy

Having control over decisions affecting your own body.

Mental Wellness

A state of emotional and psychological well-being.

Holistic Health

The idea that physical and mental health are interconnected.