Society
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Society.
"Society" is an important topic in the IELTS exam, especially in essay questions and Speaking Part 3. It covers themes like social issues, cultural norms, public behaviour, and the role of individuals and communities. Understanding and using appropriate vocabulary can significantly elevate your responses in both writing and speaking tasks. Here are some useful terms to help you discuss society with fluency and precision.
1. Social norms: [Meaning: Unwritten rules about how to behave in a society]
Example 1: In some cultures, removing shoes before entering a house is a widely accepted social norm.
Example 2: Social media has challenged many traditional social norms about communication and relationships.
2. Community service: [Meaning: Voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area]
Example 1: Many high schools require students to complete community service as part of their graduation criteria.
Example 2: Community service helps individuals feel more connected to their surroundings.
3. Social inequality: [Meaning: Uneven distribution of resources or opportunities among social groups]
Example 1: Social inequality can lead to unrest and dissatisfaction within communities.
Example 2: Education reform is often proposed as a way to reduce social inequality.
4. Peer pressure: [Meaning: The influence from members of one's peer group]
Example 1: Teenagers are especially vulnerable to peer pressure when making lifestyle choices.
Example 2: Peer pressure can have both positive and negative effects on behaviour.
5. Urbanisation: [Meaning: The increase in the number of people living in cities]
Example 1: Rapid urbanisation has caused a strain on housing and infrastructure in many cities.
Example 2: Urbanisation often leads to the disappearance of traditional lifestyles.
6. Social cohesion: [Meaning: The bonds that bring people together in a society]
Example 1: Festivals and community events promote social cohesion.
Example 2: Immigration policies can either support or hinder social cohesion depending on their design.
7. Civic engagement: [Meaning: Active participation in political and community affairs]
Example 1: Voting is one of the most basic forms of civic engagement in a democratic society.
Example 2: Schools should encourage civic engagement through debate and student councils.
8. Socioeconomic disparity: [Meaning: Differences in wealth and access to opportunities among social classes]
Example 1: Socioeconomic disparity remains a pressing issue even in developed nations.
Example 2: Policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic disparity often include access to education and healthcare.
9. Normative behaviour: [Meaning: Conduct that aligns with accepted social standards]
Example 1: Wearing formal clothes to a job interview is considered normative behaviour.
Example 2: Children learn normative behaviour through school rules and parental guidance.
10. Cultural relativism: [Meaning: Understanding another culture in its own context rather than judging it by one’s own standards]
Example 1: Cultural relativism encourages tolerance and mutual respect in multicultural societies.
Example 2: Ethical debates in anthropology often hinge on the principle of cultural relativism.
11. Ethnographic research: [Meaning: Qualitative study of people and cultures through observation]
Example 1: Ethnographic research helps sociologists gain insights into minority communities.
Example 2: Policymakers can benefit from ethnographic research when planning urban development.
12. Social stratification: [Meaning: The division of society into hierarchical levels]
Example 1: Social stratification can be seen in the class systems of many countries.
Example 2: Education often plays a role in reducing or reinforcing social stratification.
13. Structural functionalism: [Meaning: A theory that views society as a complex system with interdependent parts]
Example 1: Structural functionalism helps explain the role of institutions like schools and families.
Example 2: Critics argue that structural functionalism overlooks social conflict and inequality.
14. Cultural hegemony: [Meaning: Domination of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class's worldview]
Example 1: Global media can promote cultural hegemony by spreading Western ideals.
Example 2: Cultural hegemony often suppresses indigenous languages and traditions.
15. Collective consciousness: [Meaning: The shared beliefs and values that unify a society]
Example 1: National tragedies often reinforce collective consciousness among citizens.
Example 2: Education systems are a powerful tool for shaping collective consciousness.
16. Intersectionality: [Meaning: The interconnected nature of social categorizations like race, gender, and class]
Example 1: Intersectionality helps explain how overlapping identities shape individual experiences.
Example 2: Modern social research often incorporates intersectionality to provide deeper analysis.
17. Participatory democracy: [Meaning: A system where citizens have active roles in decision-making processes]
Example 1: Town hall meetings exemplify participatory democracy in action.
Example 2: Technology has enhanced participatory democracy through online consultations.
18. Sociocultural evolution: [Meaning: The gradual development of society and culture over time]
Example 1: Sociocultural evolution explains the shift from agrarian to industrial societies.
Example 2: Technology has accelerated sociocultural evolution in the modern era.
19. Deviant behaviour: [Meaning: Actions that violate societal norms or expectations]
Example 1: Sociologists study deviant behaviour to understand the causes of crime and delinquency.
Example 2: In some cultures, expressing unconventional views is seen as deviant behaviour.
20. Social construct: [Meaning: An idea that has been created and accepted by the people in a society]
Example 1: Gender roles are widely considered to be a social construct rather than biological destiny.
Example 2: Money is a powerful social construct that drives most human activity.
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