Society & Culture vocabulary for IELTS

Family, community, traditions, globalisation and inequality. 20 words with definitions and example sentences, useful for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

globalisation noun

the increasing connection of the world's economies and cultures

Globalisation has both enriched and homogenised local cultures.

social cohesion noun

the bonds that hold a community together

Community events strengthen social cohesion.

cultural heritage noun

traditions, buildings and objects passed between generations

Governments should fund the preservation of cultural heritage.

ageing population noun

a population with a rising proportion of older people

An ageing population raises pension costs.

nuclear family noun

parents and their children living together

The nuclear family has replaced extended households in cities.

extended family noun

relatives beyond parents and children

In many cultures, the extended family shares childcare.

generation gap noun

differences in attitudes between young and old

Technology has widened the generation gap.

inequality noun

unfair differences in wealth or opportunity

Income inequality has grown in most developed countries.

multicultural adjective

including people of many cultures

London is one of the world's most multicultural cities.

assimilate verb

to become part of a different society

Language classes help migrants assimilate.

tradition noun

a custom passed down over time

Many traditions are disappearing as young people move away.

consumerism noun

a focus on buying goods

Consumerism is often blamed for rising waste.

volunteering noun

working without pay to help others

Volunteering gives young people valuable experience.

marginalised adjective

treated as unimportant and excluded

Marginalised groups often lack political representation.

role model noun

a person others look up to and copy

Athletes can be powerful role models for teenagers.

urbanisation noun

the movement of people from rural to urban areas

Rapid urbanisation has created housing shortages.

identity noun

the characteristics that define who someone is

Language is central to cultural identity.

stereotype noun

an oversimplified idea about a group

Media portrayals can reinforce harmful stereotypes.

discrimination noun

unfair treatment based on group membership

Laws prohibit discrimination in hiring.

tolerance noun

acceptance of different views and practices

Education promotes tolerance of other cultures.