Key terms & definitions

One of three characteristics taught in Buddhism: impermanence (anicca), suffering or unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and the absence of a permanent, independent self (anatta).

One of the four identifying qualities of the Church expressed in the Nicene Creed: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

An amount added to cost to set the selling price, often expressed as a percentage of that cost.

Decorative work made by fitting pieces of different woods or other materials into a surface to create a pattern or picture.

A legally recognised union between two people as partners, which may also have religious significance.

A legally recognised union between partners.

A rule requiring women in certain jobs to leave their employment when they married.

A Chinese law introduced in 1950 that established freedom of choice in marriage, equality between spouses and rights to divorce, while prohibiting compulsory marriage, concubinage and the buying and selling of brides.

A marriage chosen chiefly for practical benefits, such as financial security or social position, rather than romantic affection.

The money or property a woman brings to marriage. Collins describes Elizabeth’s small marriage fortune as her ‘portion’.

A legal arrangement securing money or property for someone, such as the provision agreed for Lydia when she marries Wickham.

A solemn promise made during a wedding ceremony about the couple’s commitment to one another.

Housing provided for married service personnel and their families.

The Roman god of war whom Rhea Silvia claimed was the father of Romulus and Remus.

American economic assistance for European recovery after the Second World War, intended to restore stability and reduce the appeal of communism.

An American programme of economic assistance to European countries after the Second World War, intended to support recovery and reduce the appeal of communism.

Shia communities living in the marshlands of southern Iraq, whose settlements and livelihoods were attacked by Saddam’s regime.

Military control of an area in place of ordinary civilian government, often restricting civilian rights.

A person whose death for their beliefs is regarded by supporters as a sacrifice worthy of honour.

A person who suffers or dies for their religious faith or principles.

A person killed because of their religious beliefs.

The death of someone because of their faith or commitment to a religious cause.

The political and economic ideas associated with Karl Marx, including criticism of class exploitation and the ideal of a classless society with shared ownership of the means of production.

A sociological perspective which examines class inequality and conflict, particularly between those who own businesses and those who work for them.

A sociologist who draws on Marx’s ideas to explain capitalist society.

Mary, the mother of Isa, honoured in Islam for her purity, devotion and submission to Allah.

The qualities a society associates with being a man. In Much Ado About Nothing, characters debate whether manhood means military courage, clever speech or responsible action.

The socially shaped expectations and qualities associated with being a man.

The ideas and expectations associated with being male, which media products can reinforce or challenge.

Ideas and expectations about what it means to be male, which can vary between cultures and change over time.