Life Orientation Research Task

Ethan Henry
10H

1 March 2024
—
Development Of The Self In Society
Careers And Carer Choices
Democracy And Human Rights
—
Ms. K Ogle
Contents
ACTIVITY 1: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE VALUE OF THE SELF IN SOCIETY 2

QUESTION 1 2

ACTIVITY 2: DISCRIMINATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE TERTIARY SECTOR AND THE
WORKPLACE 4

QUESTION 2 4

BIBLIOGRAPHY 6

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Activity 1: The influence of social media on the value of the self in society

Question 1

1.1) What is meant by the term self-esteem

Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves in the world around us. It is our confidence in our own abilities.

1.2) State FOUR ways in which the media could influence young peoples’ self-awareness.
Teenagers are exposed to unrealistic beauty standards resulting in feelings of inadequacies amongst the youth
affecting their body image.
Social norms are impacted as the media alters our perceptions of what acceptable behaviour is shaping the way
young people view themselves and those around them.
The media serves as a platform in which celebrities and media personalities serve as role models to the youth
impacting their personal perceptions and goals.
Media depictions of different identities can impact young people’s self-perception and definition, influencing
self-identity

1.3) Differentiate between self knowledge and self development.

Self-knowledge refers to understanding your own emotional and mental state, i.e., thoughts, emotions, strengths,
weaknesses, values and beliefs. Self-knowledge provides the foundation for self-development by giving people an
indication of their starting point and highlighting areas of possible development.
Self-development involves the intentional process of improving ourselves and growing as an individual by engaging in
actions and efforts such as, acquiring knowledge and skills, building our strengths and addressing weaknesses to seek
personal growth opportunities. Self-development involves actively striving for personal growth and improvement.

1.4) Describe the role of social media in shaping popular trends and behaviour among teenagers.
Digital peer pressure creates the feeling for the need to conform and follow the actions of their peers. They desire to
fit in with their peers online to maintain a social status.
Social media platforms offer teens with instant gratification and validation which leads to them relying solely on
social media for this validation. Trends are spread rapidly due to teens each following their peers’ actions and
behaviours to gain attention from them.

1.5) Explain THREE ways in which the media could impact the youths’ self-esteem.
The media portrays unrealistic beauty standards which are unattainable for most individuals and constant exposure
to these unrealistic standards can lead to an unfavourable comparison between people in the media and themselves
and negative perceptions of their own appearance, damaging their self-esteem.
Social media can lead to social comparison where young people measure their own worth to that of their peers and
the seeking of validation though likes and comments which can lead to the exposure of cyber bullying which
contributes to feelings of inadequacies, shame and anxiety.
Negative depictions of certain groups of people, being either racial, ethnic etc. can lead to further stigmatisation of
these communities. When young people are exposed to these adverse perspectives, it can lead to feelings of
inadequacies and low self-worth impacting their self-esteem.

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1.6) Discuss FOUR ways in which social media could affect people’s perspective on relationships.
Comparison Culture: Social media portrays an idealised version of people’s lives and their relationships. Constant
exposure to these idealised versions can lead to relationship dissatisfaction and increased pressure to replicate what
they see online.
Validation and Attention-Seeking: People may become reliant on external validation for their relationship which shifts
the focus away from the genuine connection.
Insecurity and Jealousy: Seeing your partner interact with other people over social media can trigger feelings of
insecurity and jealousy leading do distrust in the relationship which may cause conflict.
Impact of Influencers and Trends: These influence people's perceptions of what defines a successful relationship.
Influencers shape our perception of what makes a desirable relationship by idealising their own relationships.

1.7) Analyse TWO roles of social media in the manner it recognises and respects diversity in society.
Social media allows individuals to share their experiences and perspectives, connecting with others who have similar
identities or experiences, promoting understanding and empathy among different communities.
Social media platforms can promote inclusive content and diverse creators, countering limited representation of
marginalized communities in mainstream media and contributing to the normalization of diversity in society.

1.8) Critically Discuss the role of the media in instilling certain values about teenage pregnancy.
Media portrayals of teenage pregnancy often reinforce stereotypes by depicting young parents as irresponsible and
incapable of parenthood. This can lead to negative attitudes in society and further stigmatization of teenage parents.
The media might accidentally present teenage pregnancy as something common or attractive by showcasing
celebrity pregnancies and fictional stories, which could minimize the difficulties and dangers of becoming a parent at
a young age. Its portrayals of sex and teenage pregnancy can also influence teenagers' views on "normal" sexual
behaviour.
Media attention on teenage pregnancy usually centres on public health concerns like risks, prevention methods, and
policy discussions. However, it can also spread fear and pass moral judgments about teenage sexuality and
reproductive decisions.
Educational programs and campaigns, like public service announcements and social media efforts, offer important
info and support to clear up misconceptions, lessen stigma, and encourage smart choices about teenage pregnancy.

1.9) Assess how a lack of self-identity can negatively affect one’s mental health.
Not knowing who you are can make it hard to recognize what you are good at, what matters to you, and what you
enjoy which lowers your self-esteem. This confusion can make you feel like you are not good enough, worthless, and
like you don't have much value. You might always compare yourself to others or doubt what you can do, which can
lower how you feel about yourself.
When people are not sure who they are and where they are going in life, this is referred to as an identity crisis. This
entails feelings of confusion, anxiety and emotional distress.
A lack of self-identity can make it difficult to sustain deep relationships as communication may be difficult resulting in
issues building close bonds, keeping friends and handling social situations which can leave you feeling alone and
isolated.
Lacking a sense of self-identity can have detrimental effects on our mental health and well-being. It can lead to
feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, social isolation, and an overall sense of feeling lost or aimless.

1.10) Recommend ONE way in which teenagers could protect themselves from media platforms that are open to
the public and do not have any restrictions.
Teens can stay safe on public social media by controlling who sees their posts. They can adjust privacy settings to
limit who views their profile, posts, and personal details, reducing the chances of problems such as cyberbullying or
unwanted attention. They should also be careful about what they share and avoid giving out sensitive information.
Keeping an eye on privacy settings regularly can help them stay secure online.

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Activity 2: Discrimination And Human Rights Violations In The Tertiary Sector And
The Workplace

Question 2

2.1) What is meant by the term ‘human rights violations’?

A "human rights violation" means any action that ignores or breaks the basic rights and freedoms that every person
should have simply because they are human. They come in many forms such as, discrimination, violence, torture,
unjust imprisonment, suppression of freedom of speech and not providing basic needs like food, housing, and
healthcare.

2.2) State TWO examples of discriminatory acts that may take place in the workplace.
Hiring Discrimination: This occurs when an employer unfairly refuses to hire someone as a result of their race,
gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability etc. instead of considering their skills and qualifications.
Pay Discrimination: This occurs when employees are paid differently for performing the same or similar job based on
their gender, race etc. This includes unequal wages and bonuses.

2.3) Differentiate between xenophobia and prejudice as challenges that present day society faces.
Xenophobia refers to the fear, distrust, or hatred of people from other countries or cultures. It focuses on hostility
towards people perceived as outsiders or foreigners, often based on their nationality or cultural background.
Prejudice is the preconceived judgments or attitudes held about individuals or groups based on their membership in
a particular social category such as race, gender, religion etc. It includes discriminatory attitudes and behaviours
towards any group perceived as different or inferior within society.

2.4) Describe TWO ways in which students could combat gender-based violence in tertiary institutions.
Students can organize and participate in educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, such as workshops, panel
discussions, and poster campaigns, to promote understanding of gender-based violence, challenge harmful attitudes
and stereotypes, and provide information about available support services and resources, fostering a culture of
empathy, respect, and consent.
Students can advocate for policy changes and institutional reforms to address gender-based violence in their tertiary
institutions, including implementing inclusive sexual misconduct policies, establishing support services for survivors,
improving reporting mechanisms, reinforcing disciplinary measures for offenders and integrating gender-based
violence prevention and response efforts into campus policies, curriculum, and programming to create safer and
more inclusive learning environments.

2.5) Explain why acts of discriminatory behaviour continue in our society despite the implementation of various
mechanisms to deal with it.
Discriminatory attitudes and behaviours can be deeply rooted in cultural and social norms, leading to the
preservation of stereotypes and biases over time. These norms play a significant role in shaping individuals’
perception and interactions with others, making it difficult to eliminate discriminatory behaviour. Legal and
institutional interventions alone may not be sufficient to eradicate discrimination, as cultural and social norms can
continue to influence people's attitudes and actions.
People who benefit from the current situation may resist efforts to change and fight against discrimination. People
and groups might oppose changes in society and institutions that aim to make things fairer and more inclusive
because they are worried about losing their advantages or upsetting the way things currently work. This resistance
can make it challenging to implement necessary changes and address discriminatory practices effectively.
Many individuals lack awareness and may not fully understand the impact of their actions or may not be aware of the
mechanisms in place to address discrimination.

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2.6) Discuss FOUR reasons why most victims of discrimination seem unprepared to report such cases.
Victims of discrimination may fear retaliation if they report the incident due to lack of trust in the reporting process
and concerns about job loss or further harassment.
Victims may lack trust in reporting systems, perceiving them as biased, bureaucratic, or ineffective, leading to doubts
about their complaints being taken seriously or resulting in meaningful change.
Discrimination can lead to feelings of shame and self-blame, causing victims to hesitate seeking help due to fear of
judgment or stigma, especially regarding sensitive issues such as race, gender, sexuality, or disability.
Some victims may feel that reporting discrimination is pointless because they believe the perpetrators will not be
held accountable, their complaints will be dismissed, or the organization will not support them, which discourages
them from coming forward and reinforces a sense of powerlessness or resignation.

2.7) Analyse TWO ways in which an inclusive university environment could positively influence the career
prospects of students.
Inclusive university settings gather students from various backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints, enriching their
social circles and introducing them to diverse experiences and resources. Through interactions with peers, faculty,
and alumni from diverse backgrounds, students can form valuable connections, share insights, and gain access to
beneficial networking avenues. These connections may result in mentorship, internships, job recommendations, and
other career-related opportunities, broadening students' professional networks and providing pathways to potential
career trajectories.

2.8) Critically discuss how a sanction against someone who has been involved in acts of human rights violations in
the workplace could negatively influence their chances of promotions.
Being involved in human rights violations harms a person's reputation at work and in their professional circles. If
there's bad publicity or internal investigations, people might see them as dishonest, unethical, or not capable,
hurting their trustworthiness and credibility. Employers might think twice about promoting them because they are
worried about harm to the organization's reputation.
When someone is involved in human rights violations, it makes others doubt their ability to lead and make ethical
decisions. Co-workers, subordinates, and bosses might see them as less trustworthy and question if they are right for
leadership roles. This lack of trust can hurt teamwork and communication, making it hard for the person to show
they are ready for a promotion.
If someone is involved in serious human rights violations, they might face legal trouble like fines or criminal charges.
This can really hurt their professional reputation and make it tough for them to get promoted. Employers might not
want to promote them if they have legal problems because it could cause issues for the organization's compliance
and financial security.
Companies value ethical behaviour, diversity, and inclusion more than ever. If someone is involved in human rights
violations, they might seem like they don't fit with these values, especially in places that focus on corporate social
responsibility and ethical leadership. When it comes to promotions, organizations might prefer people who show
they're committed to doing the right thing and respecting human rights, rather than those who have a history of
misconduct.
Promoting people who are involved in human rights violations can make other employees feel unhappy and cause
them to be resentful toward their coworkers. They might see promotion choices as unfair, which can lower their
morale and how much they care about their work. Good employees might feel disappointed and decide to leave for
other jobs, making it hard for the company to keep its talented staff.

2.9) Evaluate the role of unions in protecting employees against any form of discrimination in the workplace.
Unions play a vital role in protecting employees from discrimination at work. They do this by negotiating fair policies,
pushing for laws that protect workers, supporting and representing those who face discrimination, educating workers
about their rights, and taking action against unfair treatment. This ensures that everyone is treated fairly and
respectfully, no matter who they are.

2.10) Suggest a solution to a supervisor/manager in which they could address discriminating behaviour to foster a
healthy workplace culture.
Supervisors and managers can help by providing training to all staff on topics such as bias and respect. They should
set a good example by being respectful themselves and dealing with discrimination quickly. This creates a workplace
where everyone feels valued, leading to happier and more engaged employees.

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