Key Concepts in Political Science and Social Movements

Civil Society

groups that form outside the governments control such as online activities, voluntary groups, and social movements

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

nonprofit groups outside the government control that focus on social and political issues.

Political Culture

a collective set of attitudes, values, and beliefs about politics

Political Socialization

how an individual learns about politics and is taught about the common values and beliefs.

Political Ideology

an individual's set of beliefs and values about government, politics, and policy.

Post-materialism

a set of values in a society in which most citizens are economically secure enough to move beyond immediate economic (materialist) concerns to 'quality of life' issues like human rights, civil rights, woman's rights, environmentalism, and moral values.

Individualism

The belief that people should be free to make their own decisions and that the government should not unnecessarily regulate individual behavior or restrict civil liberties

Neoliberalism

A philosophy favoring economic policies that support the free market and reducing trade barriers

Communism

An ideology that advocates state ownership of all property, with the government exercising complete control over the economy

Socialism

political ideology in which economic equality is a core value, with the belief that government ownership of the major means of production is a way to reduce income inequality within the state

Fascism

nationalist political ideology in which nationalism and the primacy of the state are the core beliefs; emphasizes the rights of the ethnic majority, oppresses the minority, and supports strong authoritarian rule

Populism

political ideology based on the idea that the government should put the rights and interests of the common people above the elites

Coercion

government's use of force or threats to pressure individual political behavior

Formal Political Participation

voting in elections and on referendums, contacting government officials, joining political groups, working on a campaign, and donating money to a cause or candidate

Informal Participation

protest, civil disobedience, and political violence, including terrorism

Referendum

vote on a policy issue sent by the government to the people

Brexit

withdrawal of UK from EU

Great Firewall

Chinese regulation of internet to censor foreign websites

Nationalization

transfer of a major branch of industry or commerce from private to state ownership or control.

Political Cleavages

Division based on different ideas about the role of government and policy making goals

Social Cleavages

Division based on ethnicity, race, religion, class, or territory

Secession

nation (Scotland) seeking independence from ruling state(UK)

Encroachment

Russia occupation of Donbas region of Ukraine

Civil Rights

legal actions taken by states to prevent discrimination

Civil Liberties

fundamental freedoms protected from state infringement

Han

ethnic majority in China (90%)

Uighurs

Turkish Muslims in Xinjiang desiring autonomy

Tibetans

Buddhist minority struggling against CCP control

Shi'a

majority Muslim population in Iran

Sunni

minority Muslim population in Iran

Chechens

ethnic Muslims in Russia that have struggled for separation

Boko Haram

Islamic Terrorist group seeking to destroy 'westernized' Nigerian state

Zapatistas

Indigenous Mexican revolutionary movement desiring land reform

Igbo

southeastern Nigerian mainly Christian ethnic group

Yoruba

southwestern Nigerian ethnic group of mixed religion

Hausa-Fulani

northern Nigerian Muslim and largest ethnic group