AQA GCSE Sociology key terms

A basic role that Parsons argued the family continued to perform and which could not be reduced further: primary socialisation or stabilisation of adult personalities.

The idea that some families, particularly nuclear families, have become distant from or separated from their wider family.

A pattern in which partners share domestic tasks and decision-making and spend leisure time together.

The judges and magistrates who apply the law in courts.

A type of commune, usually found in Israel, whose members live communally and share resources, valuing equality and community.

A relative, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt or uncle.

The network of social relationships based on blood ties, marriage or adoption.

Connections between relatives beyond the immediate family, through which people may exchange care, practical help and emotional support.

The process of defining a person or their behaviour in a particular way, such as identifying someone as a ‘criminal’.

People’s capacity to work, including their skills, knowledge and ability to carry out tasks.

A formal rule enforced by the state to regulate behaviour.

A published table comparing schools using measures such as pupils’ examination results.

Published statistical comparisons of schools' performance, including examination and test results.

Broad labels used to distinguish political ideas, parties and movements; socialism and communism are associated with the left, while conservatism is associated with the right.

Authority accepted because it rests on recognised laws and rules; it belongs to an official position rather than the individual holding it.

A law or set of laws, or the process of making laws.

The process through which a Bill is considered by Parliament and becomes an Act following Royal Assent.

The institution responsible for making laws, such as the UK Parliament.

The recognition that someone has a rightful claim to exercise power.

Values associated with representative democracy, including freedom of speech, movement and information.

The opportunities people have to obtain valued outcomes, such as a good education, secure employment and good health.

Variation in family arrangements and experiences as people move through different stages of their lives.

The average number of years a person is expected to live.

A person's way of living, including work patterns, hobbies and use of leisure time.

A review of existing research and writing on a topic, used to identify what is already known and questions needing further investigation.

A family consisting of one parent and their child or children.

A family in which one parent lives with and raises their dependent child or children.