Sociology key terms

Movement between positions in a social hierarchy, especially movement between social classes.

An approach which explains disability through barriers in society, such as inaccessible buildings, unsuitable communication and discriminatory attitudes, rather than treating impairment alone as the cause of disadvantage.

A person's connections with other people, including friends and relatives.

A shared expectation about how people should behave in a particular society, group or situation.

A condition in which society remains stable and operates without constant disruption.

A process through which social relationships and behaviour develop or change, such as socialisation or labelling.

The continuation of class inequalities from one generation to the next.

State provision of financial protection against circumstances such as unemployment, illness, disability or old age.

The sense of belonging and commitment that binds people together as members of a society.

Shame or disgrace attached to a characteristic, situation or behaviour.

The division of society into a hierarchy of groups with unequal access to resources and rewards, such as wealth, status and power.

The organised patterns of relationships and institutions, such as education and the class system, that shape people's lives.

A population connected through social relationships, institutions and a broadly shared culture.

A grouping of people who share a similar economic position, connected to factors such as ownership, occupation and employment relationships.

A way of grouping people by their social and economic position, often using information about their occupation and employment.

The systematic study of society, social behaviour and social relationships using concepts, theories and evidence.

A school concentrating on a particular subject area, such as languages, technology or science, with the aim of raising standards in that area.

A school providing education and support for pupils with special educational needs, which may involve learning, communication, physical or social and emotional needs.

The emotional support provided by family relationships that, according to Parsons, helps adults manage stress and maintain emotional stability.

Using the same questions, response options or procedures for each participant so that responses can be compared consistently.

The institutions that organise and regulate society, including law-making bodies, the police and the courts.

Government action that influences or regulates people's lives, including decisions about family size.

A government-funded school that does not charge tuition fees.

A poverty threshold based on entitlement to state benefits and the benefit levels set by government.

A poverty standard set by the government. In Townsend’s study, it was based on entitlement to claim certain benefits.

Government provision intended to support people’s wellbeing, including benefits paid to people who need financial assistance.

A person’s social position, which may be associated with prestige.

Frustration caused by being unable to achieve desired recognition or standing; Albert Cohen linked it to working-class boys’ failure to meet middle-class educational expectations.

A partner who takes on a parental relationship with their partner’s child from a previous relationship.

A fixed, overgeneralised and often distorted view of a group’s characteristics.