CSEC Social Studies Revision Guide
Comprehensive revision notes for Section A: Individual, Family and Society. Interactive quizzes, self-check assessments, and exam tips to help you succeed in your CSEC exams.
Start RevisionUnit 1: The Family
Major Functions of the Family
- Procreation and Child-rearing: Enables society to grow. Nuclear family provides best environment for raising children.
- Economic Unit: Provides for children's basic needs (food, shelter, clothing).
- Social Unit: Children develop identity and self-worth through kinship.
Test Yourself
1. Name THREE functions of the family.
Different Family Types
- Nuclear family: Mother, father and their children living together.
- Extended family: Includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins living together.
- Sibling household: Older children look after younger siblings, parents absent.
- Single-parent family: Children live with one parent after divorce/separation.
Family Types Quiz
Which family type has grandparents living with parents and children?
Family Roles & Relationships
Traditional gender roles are changing. Parents have responsibilities to provide for physical/emotional needs of children. Children have responsibilities to respect and obey parents.
Causes of Changing Roles:
- Choice of employment open to both genders
- Status of women in society improved
- Available technology enables work from home
- Equal educational opportunities
Social Issues Affecting Families
- Juvenile delinquency: Antisocial behavior by youth
- Teenage pregnancy: Health risks, interrupted education
- Domestic violence: Physical/emotional abuse within family
- Substance abuse: Addiction to drugs/alcohol
- Human trafficking: Illegal trade in people
Think About It
Why might poverty lead to juvenile delinquency?
Unit 1 Self-Check Assessment
Rate your confidence level for each statement:
Unit 2: Social Groups and Institutions
Cultural Diversity in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is culturally diverse with influences from:
- Amerindians (4000 BC): Cassava, pepperpot, traditional crafts
- Africans (17th century): Drumming, dance, storytelling
- Europeans (1492): Christianity, cricket, government systems
- Asians (19th century): Hinduism, Islam, festivals, roti
Quick Check
Which ethnic group brought Hinduism and Islam to the Caribbean?
Characteristics of Social Groups
- Primary social groups: Small, frequent interaction, personal relationships (e.g., family)
- Secondary social groups: Larger, less personal, temporary interaction (e.g., school committee)
- Formal social groups: Organized, elected leader, written rules (e.g., football team)
- Informal social groups: Relaxed, no clear structure (e.g., peer groups)
Characteristics of Institutions
Institutions can be social norms or formal organizations like the church or CXC.
Characteristics:
- Symbols and rituals that consolidate identity
- Hierarchical structure
- Written rules and fixed sanctions
- Endures over time despite member changes
- Has a specific function or purpose
Functions of Institutions
- Economic: Banks, credit unions, industries
- Educational: Schools, colleges, universities
- Recreational: Cinemas, sports clubs, restaurants
- Religious: Places of worship, religious schools
- Political: Government, opposition parties, prisons
Categorize
Which category does a "museum" belong to?
Exam Tips & Strategies
Time Management
Spend first 10 minutes reading through the paper and planning your time. Allocate more time to questions with higher marks.
Understanding Questions
Make sure you understand what each question is asking. Look for command words like "analyze", "compare", "explain".
Answer Strategy
Read each question carefully before answering. Check your work and presentation before submitting.