Key Vocabulary for Social Movements and Activism

What is discrimination?

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, age, or gender.

What does passive resistance mean?

A nonviolent way of protesting against laws or policies in order to bring about social change.

What is de jure segregation?

Segregation that is enforced by law.

What does militant refer to in a social context?

An aggressive or combative approach to achieving political or social goals.

What is Black Power?

A movement advocating for the rights and empowerment of Black people, emphasizing racial pride and self-determination.

What is a coalition?

An alliance of groups or individuals to work together for a common goal.

What is de facto segregation?

Segregation that occurs in practice, even if not enforced by law.

What does Chicano refer to?

A term used to describe people of Mexican descent in the United States, often associated with a cultural and political identity.

What does the term movement refer to in social contexts?

A collective effort by a group of people to promote or resist social change.

What is affirmative action?

Policies that aim to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups in education and employment.

What does AIM stand for?

American Indian Movement, an organization advocating for the rights of Native Americans.

What is feminism?

A movement for advocating women's rights and equality between the genders.

What is a sit-in?

A form of protest where participants occupy a space and refuse to leave until their demands are met.

What is bigotry?

Intolerance toward those who hold different opinions or beliefs, often manifested as prejudice.

What is the glass ceiling?

An invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to higher positions in the workplace.

What does counter culture refer to?

A cultural movement that rejects and opposes the dominant societal norms.