Hello, my name is Blanche, and I am currently in my second year at Montmorency studying in Social Sciences. My program is all about understanding people, societies, and cultures. We look at the world from different perspectives. Studying in Social Sciences helps me make sense of social issues, see things from a different point of view and develop my ethical thinking that will be useful in my future. I created this glossary to support students, professionals and anyone else who wants to better understand key concepts related to this program.
This glossary includes 30 essential terms of Social Sciences. For each term, I have provided a definition, an example of how it is used, the word's transduction in French and for some words, a picture.
administration
noun
The process or activity of running a business, organization, etc.
Example: The school administration organized a new program for students
en: administration
anthropology
noun
The study of human societies, cultures, and their development.
Example: In anthropology class, we learned about ancient cultures
en: anthropologie
citizenship
noun
The status of being a member of a state with rights and duties.
Example: Citizenship gives people the right to vote in elections
en: citoyenneté
community
noun
A group of people living together or sharing common interests.
Example: My community organizes events to bring people together.
en: communauté
conflict
noun
A serious disagreement or struggle.
Example: Conflict between countries can lead to war.
en: conflit
criminology
noun
The study of crime, its causes, and its consequences.
Example: Criminology studies why some people break the law
en: criminologie
cultural identity
noun
The feeling of belonging to a group based on culture, traditions, or heritage.
Example: Language and food are important parts of cultural identity.
en: identité culturelle
culture
noun
The shared values, beliefs, and practices of a group of people.
Example: Food and music are part of a country’s culture.
en: culture
democracy
noun
A system of government where citizens elect their leaders.
Example: Canada is known for its strong democracy.
en: démocratie
demography
noun
The study of populations, including size, growth, and distribution.
Example: Demography tells us how many young people live in a country
en: démographie
economy
noun
The wealth and resources of a country or region, especially in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services.
Example: The economy affects the price of food and clothes.
en: économie
education
noun
The process of teaching, learning, and acquiring knowledge.
Example: Education is important for building a better future.
en: éducation
ethics
noun
The study of moral principles that guide behavior.
Example: Doctors must follow ethics when helping patients.
en: éthique
Geography
noun
The study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these, including the distribution of populations and resources, land use, and industries.
Example: My favorite subject at school is geography.
en: géographie
history
noun
The study of past events and their impact on societies.
Example: I love history because it tells stories about the past
en: histoire
human development
noun
The process of improving people's well-being, education, and standard of living.
Example: Human development focuses on access to healthcare and quality education.
en: développement humain
identity
noun
The qualities that make a person or group unique.
Example: Language is an important part of cultural identity.
en: identité
inequality
noun
An unfair situation where some people have more than others.
Example: Social inequality can affect access to education.
en: inégalité
integration
noun
The process of bringing different groups together into one society.
Example: Integration helps immigrants feel part of the community.
en: intégration
multiculturalism
noun
The presence and co-existence of diverse cultural groups in a society.
Example: Multiculturalism allows people from different backgrounds to live together peacefully.
en: multiculturalisme
norms
noun
Social rules that guide behavior.
Example: Shaking hands is a common social norm.
en: normes
philosophy
noun
The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values.
Example: Philosophy makes me think about the meaning of life
en: philosophie
political science
noun
The study of governments, political processes, and public policies.
Example: Political science helps us understand how governments work.
en: science politique
poverty
noun
The state of having little money or resources to meet basic needs.
Example: Poverty affects access to education, healthcare, and housing.
en: pauvreté
Psychology
noun
The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.
Example: My friend wants to study psychology at university.
en: psychologie
social class
noun
A division of society based on wealth, education, or job.
Example: Social class can influence lifestyle and opportunities.
en: classe sociale
society
noun
A community of people living together under shared rules.
Example: Society expects people to follow certain norms.
en: société
Sociology
noun
The study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society
Example: Sociology is interesting because it explains how people live together.
en: sociologie
tradition
noun
A custom or belief passed down through generations.
Example: Celebrating holidays is a family tradition.
en: tradition
values
noun
Beliefs about what is right, good, or important.
Example: Honesty and respect are important values in many cultures.
