MYP History Social and Cultural Movements Key Definitions

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Pre-industrial economies and society

Industrial technologies and mechanisation

Urbanisation and demographic change

Labour, working conditions and class systems

Industrialisation and global impact

Scientific and technological advancements

Inventions that reshaped society

Communication and transportation developments

Social reforms driven by innovation

Historical trade networks

Colonial and imperial trade systems

Globalisation of markets

Exploitation, inequality and economic dependence

Housing, work and leisure

Gender roles and family structures

Technology in daily life

Social policy and quality of life

Public health before modern medicine

Medical discoveries and breakthroughs

Epidemics, pandemics and responses

Healthcare systems and access

Artistic and literary movements

Cultural identity and expression

Social reform movements

Youth and counterculture movements

Enlightenment and early political thought

Liberalism, conservatism and socialism

Nationalism and identity

Ideologies in the 20th century

Causes of major conflicts

Impacts of war on societies

Peace processes and diplomacy

International conflict resolution

Rise and governance of empires

Imperialism and colonisation

Decolonisation and independence movements

Supranational institutions

Origins of nationalism

Independence and unification movements

National identity and political change

Case studies of nationalist movements

Civil rights struggles

Social justice movements

Protest strategies and activism

Government responses and reforms

Leadership and influence

Grassroots change and community action

Innovators and disruptors

Ethical decision-making and responsibility

Political inaction and governance failures

Humanitarian crises

Environmental neglect

Social and economic consequences

MYP History Social and Cultural Movements Key Definitions

Definition

Counterculture

A counterculture is a social movement or group that actively rejects and challenges the dominant cultural norms, values, institutions, or lifestyle of mainstream society. Countercultures promote alternative beliefs, behaviors, and identities as a form of resistance or transformation.

Example

1960s Hippie Movement: Rejected consumerism and war; promoted peace, free expression, and alternative lifestyles.
Beat Generation (1950s): Criticized conformity and materialism through experimental writing and nontraditional living.
Punk Movement (1970s–80s): Rebelled against mainstream culture through DIY ethics, anti-establishment politics, and aggressive music.

Definition

Social Reform Movement

A social reform movement is an organized effort by individuals or groups to change laws, institutions, or social practices in order to improve society. These movements aim to address injustice, inequality, or harmful conditions and push for reforms through activism, advocacy, public awareness, and political pressure.

Example

Abolition Movement: Campaigned to end slavery in the United States.
Women’s Suffrage Movement: Fought for women’s right to vote.
Labor Reform Movement: Pushed for better working conditions, fair wages, and limits on child labor.
Civil Rights Movement: Challenged racial discrimination and segregation in the U.S.
Progressive Era Reform: Addressed corruption, poverty, and unsafe working conditions in the early 20th century.

Definition

Counterculture

A counterculture is a social movement or group that actively rejects and challenges the dominant cultural norms, values, institutions, or lifestyle of mainstream society. Countercultures promote alternative beliefs, behaviors, and identities as a form of resistance or transformation.

Example

1960s Hippie Movement: Rejected consumerism and war; promoted peace, free expression, and alternative lifestyles.
Beat Generation (1950s): Criticized conformity and materialism through experimental writing and nontraditional living.
Punk Movement (1970s–80s): Rebelled against mainstream culture through DIY ethics, anti-establishment politics, and aggressive music.

Definition

Social Reform Movement

A social reform movement is an organized effort by individuals or groups to change laws, institutions, or social practices in order to improve society. These movements aim to address injustice, inequality, or harmful conditions and push for reforms through activism, advocacy, public awareness, and political pressure.

Example

Abolition Movement: Campaigned to end slavery in the United States.
Women’s Suffrage Movement: Fought for women’s right to vote.
Labor Reform Movement: Pushed for better working conditions, fair wages, and limits on child labor.
Civil Rights Movement: Challenged racial discrimination and segregation in the U.S.
Progressive Era Reform: Addressed corruption, poverty, and unsafe working conditions in the early 20th century.