Eduqas GCSE Sociology key terms

A situation in which people have a fair chance to access opportunities, rather than being disadvantaged by their social background or identity.

A situation in which people or groups achieve similar results, such as similar earnings or educational attainment.

An assessment of a proposed study’s ethical risks and safeguards, usually by an independent committee.

A sense of belonging to a group with a shared cultural background, which may include language, traditions or religion.

A shared cultural identity associated with features such as ancestry, language, religion and traditions.

A group whose ethnic identity differs from that of the majority population in a particular society.

A group with a shared ethnic identity that forms a smaller proportion of a society's population than the majority ethnic group.

A curriculum that centres one culture’s experiences and achievements while overlooking or undervaluing others.

In Marxist theory, the process through which owners pay workers less than the value they produce and keep the profit.

The nurturing role of caring for children and providing emotional support within the family, assigned mainly to women in Parsons’ model.

A family network including relatives beyond parents and their children, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A reward separate from the enjoyment of an activity itself, such as a grade or a wage.

In Marxist theory, workers’ failure to recognise their exploitation and shared class interests, which makes them less likely to challenge capitalism.

A group connected through relationships such as parenthood, partnership, marriage or adoption. Its precise boundaries vary between sociological and statistical definitions.

The variety of family structures and ways of organising family life within society.

The structure and composition of a family, such as nuclear, extended or lone-parent.

Whether a proposed study can realistically be carried out with the available time, money, skills and access.

The increasing presence and influence of women in education, together with the argument that school practices increasingly favour characteristics culturally associated with femininity.

A sociological approach that examines gender inequality and how male power shapes social institutions and people’s experiences.

A child who has experienced extreme isolation from ordinary human interaction and socialisation.

A person or group stereotyped as dangerous or immoral and blamed for social problems during a moral panic.

A marriage in which one or both people do not or cannot consent and pressure or abuse is used. UK guidance also includes causing someone under 18 to marry, even without pressure or abuse.

Power based on a legally recognised or official position, backed by laws or formal rules.

The enforcement of explicit rules and laws by agencies with official authority, including the police and courts.

Qualification for free school meals under the relevant eligibility rules. In educational statistics, this is commonly used as an indicator of low household income.

A role or activity that contributes to meeting the needs of individuals or society, such as caring for children or providing economic support.

The contribution a role makes to the survival and efficient operation of society.