Vocabulary for discussing social structures, inequality, demographics, and community issues.
disparity
A great difference or inequality between things.
Band 7+ example
“The growing disparity between rich and poor has become one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
There is a disparity of rich and poor people.
The disparity in educational outcomes between urban and rural areas remains significant.
demographic
Relating to the structure of populations, including age, gender, and income distribution.
Band 7+ example
“Demographic shifts, particularly ageing populations, pose serious challenges to pension systems in developed nations.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The demographic of old people is increasing.
Demographic trends indicate that the proportion of elderly citizens will double by 2050.
marginalised
Treated as insignificant or pushed to the edges of society.
Band 7+ example
“Policies must be designed to empower marginalised communities and ensure their voices are represented in decision-making.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Marginalised people don't have good life.
Marginalised communities often face systemic barriers to accessing healthcare and education.
cohesion
The action or fact of forming a united whole; social unity.
Band 7+ example
“Social cohesion is strengthened when citizens have equitable access to public services and civic participation.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Society needs more cohesion to be together.
Rising inequality threatens to undermine social cohesion in many industrialised nations.
integration
The process of combining or incorporating parts into a unified whole, often referring to the inclusion of people into a wider society.
Band 7+ example
“Successful integration of immigrants depends on access to language education, employment, and community support.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Integration of foreigners is difficult for them.
The integration of refugees into host communities requires sustained institutional support.
stratification
The arrangement or classification of something into different groups or layers, especially social classes.
Band 7+ example
“Social stratification based on income perpetuates cycles of disadvantage across generations.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Stratification makes people divided in society.
Social stratification remains deeply entrenched despite efforts to promote equality of opportunity.
urbanisation
The process of making an area more urban; the increasing proportion of people living in cities.
Band 7+ example
“Rapid urbanisation in developing countries has led to the expansion of informal settlements and increased demand for infrastructure.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Urbanisation means many people move to cities.
Unplanned urbanisation has exacerbated housing shortages and environmental degradation in major cities.
egalitarian
Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
Band 7+ example
“Scandinavian countries are often cited as models of egalitarian societies with robust social safety nets.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
An egalitarian society means everyone is the same.
An egalitarian approach to education ensures that all children have access to quality schooling regardless of background.
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