Community and Family Studies
Home > Community and Family Studies > Groups in context > Identifying groups with specific needs > Identifying groups with specific needs
Core 2: Groups in context
Identifying groups with specific needs
Special characteristics of groups
All groups in society share common characteristics and features that form the basis for their inclusion within that group. These special characteristics and features are developed based on common elements for people within a group. These elements may be based on feelings, issues and experiences.
To understand the nature of these characteristics for each group it is helpful to develop a definition of the group which includes a description of the common characteristics and features. These special characteristics allow decisions to be mad about their needs, access to resources and implications for both of these areas. For example, the aged may have reduced physical capabilities which might impact on their ability to meet their needs and access resources, i.e. be self-sufficient, in later years.
Student activity
Groups are frequently defined because of the special characteristics they share or have in common.
- For each of the following groups, provide a definition. This may be a formal or social definition and should include special characteristics and features of each group.
A text only version of the table is provided to assist you to complete this activity.
| Group | Definition, including special characteristics and features |
|---|---|
| Aged | |
| Chronically ill | |
| Cultural groups e.g. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander | |
| Families in crisis | |
| Disabled | |
| Gay and lesbian | |
| Rural families | |
| Sole parents | |
| Socio-economically disadvantaged | |
| The homeless | |
| Youth |
Check your
answers.
|