Sociology key terms

The number of times a response, event or category occurs in a dataset.

A role or contribution that an institution performs for individuals or society.

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

A sociological perspective which sees society as a system of connected parts, with institutions such as education helping to maintain social order.

A sociologist who examines how social institutions contribute to society's functioning and continuation, such as Durkheim or Parsons.

A role considered vital for society to function effectively.

Positions considered particularly important to the survival and effective operation of society.

Belief in a literal interpretation of religious texts or scriptures.

Money provided to support research, for example by a university, charity, company or government department.

Post-16 education below degree level, including courses in sixth forms and further education colleges; it is also available to adults.

A media owner or professional who influences what material is published or broadcast and how it is presented.

Socially and culturally constructed differences and expectations associated with masculinity and femininity.

The study of differences in crime rates and explanations of offending between genders.

In Carlen's explanation, the promise that women will receive psychological and material rewards from male breadwinners in return for love and domestic labour.

The association of school subjects with particular genders, such as treating physics as masculine or languages as feminine.

A difference in educational results between gender groups, usually measured by comparing boys’ and girls’ average attainment.

Unequal treatment, opportunities or power associated with gender.

A difference between men's and women's pay.

Social expectations about how people should behave according to their gender.

Social expectations about how people should behave because of their gender.

The process through which people learn the gender roles and expectations of their society.

A widely held, simplified belief about the characteristics or roles of women and men.

The extent to which findings from a study can be applied beyond the people who were studied.

A conclusion extended beyond the particular people or situations examined in research.

Movement from one geographical area to another, which can increase the distance between relatives.

An invisible barrier that prevents women from reaching senior positions in employment despite having relevant abilities or qualifications.

A small, wealthy and powerful group whose business interests and influence extend across national borders.

The growing interconnection of countries through trade, communication, technology, migration and culture.

A state secondary school that selects pupils according to academic ability through an entrance test.

Physical, psychological or social damage caused by research, such as injury, distress or damage to relationships.