Sociology key terms

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.

Attaching a description, characteristic or category to a person or group.

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.

A socially approved way of pursuing a goal, such as gaining qualifications and obtaining paid employment.

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

A feminist approach which seeks greater gender equality through legal reform, education and changes in attitudes.

An opportunity to obtain valued outcomes, such as education, employment, income and a good standard of living.

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 in which one parent lives with and brings up their child or children.

Research which follows the same people over an extended period to investigate continuity or change.

A volunteer, also called a Justice of the Peace, who hears cases in a magistrates’ court and deals with less serious offences.