Subject specific vocabulary – Section B: thematic studies

The following subject specific vocabulary provides definitions of key terms used in our GCSE Religious Studies Short Course specification (8061), Section B: thematic studies – religious, philosophical and ethical studies. Terms are grouped by theme.

Students should be familiar with and gain understanding of these terms.

Theme A: Relationships and families

Cohabitation

A couple living together without being married/in civil partnership.

Compassion

Sympathy and concern for the suffering of others.

Contraception

Precautions taken to prevent pregnancy and to protect against contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Divorce

Legal ending of a marriage.

Extended family

Family unit comprising two parents and their children, but also grandparents, cousins etc.

Family planning

Planning when to have a family and how big a family to have by use of birth control practices and/or contraception.

Gender discrimination

Acting on prejudices against someone because of their gender.

Gender equality

Belief that both genders have equal status and value, so discrimination against either is wrong.

Gender prejudice

Negative thoughts, feelings or beliefs about a person or group based on their gender.

Heterosexuality

Being physically/sexually attracted to persons of the opposite gender.

Homosexuality

Being physically/sexually attracted to persons of the same gender.

Nuclear family

Family unit made up of two parents and their child(ren).

Polygamy

The practice of having multiple spouses (wives and/or husbands).

Procreation

Having a child; seen as a duty in many religions.

Remarriage

Marriage for the second time, after divorce ending an earlier marriage.

Vows

Promises made during a marriage ceremony.

Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict

Conflict

Dispute between sides, can be between individuals, groups or nations.

Forgiveness

Letting go of blame against a person for wrongs they have done; moving on.

Holy War

War that is believed to be sanctioned by God.

Justice

Bringing fairness back to a situation.

Just War

Set of rules for fighting a war in a way believed to be justified and acceptable to God.

Nuclear deterrence

Having nuclear weapons with the aim of deterring/preventing other states attacking for fear of retaliation and nuclear war (possibly leading to Mutually Assured Destruction).

Nuclear weapons/war

A weapon of mass destruction which causes widespread damage and loss of life. Nuclear war would be a war fought using these weapons.

Pacifism

Belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours.

Peace

The opposite of war; harmony between all in society.

Peace-making

Working to bring about peace and reconciliation.

Protest

A statement or action to express disagreement; can be an organised event to demonstrate disagreement with a policy or political action.

Reconciliation

Making up and rebuilding relationships between two groups/sides after disagreement.

Retaliation

To pay someone back for their harmful actions.

Terrorism

Use of violence and threats to intimidate others; used for political purposes to build fear in the ordinary population and to secure demands from Government.

Victims of war

Those who are harmed during a war, for example those killed, injured or left homeless.

Violence

Behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage.

War

Armed conflict between two or more sides.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Weapons which cause widespread, indiscriminate damage (eg nuclear, chemical, biological).