MYP History Social Policy and Quality of Life 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 Policy and Quality of Life Key Definitions

Definition

Social policy

Social policy refers to the plans, laws, and actions that governments use to improve people’s well-being and address social issues such as health, education, poverty, housing, and inequality. In short: Social policy = government action to improve quality of life.

Example

Welfare benefits: unemployment benefits, disability support, child benefits.
Public healthcare systems: the NHS in the UK, Medicare in Australia.
Education policy: free public schooling, student loan systems.
Housing policy: public housing, rent controls, homelessness support.
Minimum wage laws: ensuring a basic standard of pay.
Social insurance: pensions, sickness insurance, maternity leave.
Anti-discrimination laws: gender equality policies, racial equality protections.
Family policy: parental leave, childcare subsidies.

Definition

Social policy

Social policy refers to the plans, laws, and actions that governments use to improve people’s well-being and address social issues such as health, education, poverty, housing, and inequality. In short: Social policy = government action to improve quality of life.

Example

Welfare benefits: unemployment benefits, disability support, child benefits.
Public healthcare systems: the NHS in the UK, Medicare in Australia.
Education policy: free public schooling, student loan systems.
Housing policy: public housing, rent controls, homelessness support.
Minimum wage laws: ensuring a basic standard of pay.
Social insurance: pensions, sickness insurance, maternity leave.
Anti-discrimination laws: gender equality policies, racial equality protections.
Family policy: parental leave, childcare subsidies.