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Essential Vocabulary for TOEFL - Society and Social Issues

Here you will learn some English words about society and social issues, such as "aristocracy", "tolerance", "feminism", etc. that are needed for the TOEFL exam.

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Essential Words Needed for TOEFL
class
class
[noun]

a group of people having the same economic or social status in a particular society

Ex: Many workers belong to the middle class. 
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aristocracy

people in the highest class of society who have a lot of power and wealth and usually high ranks and titles

Ex: The event was attended by members of the aristocracy in elegant attire. 
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noble
noble
[Adjective]

belonging to the highest social or political class

Ex: The noble family's ancestral estate showcased their centuries-old lineage and prestige. 
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civil
civil
[Adjective]

related to the citizens of a country

Ex: Civil rights movements advocate for equality and justice for all citizens. 
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citizen
citizen
[noun]

someone whose right of belonging to a particular state is legally recognized either because they are born there or are naturalized

Ex: Every citizen has the right to vote in democratic elections. 
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status
status
[noun]

someone or something's professional or social position relative to that of others

Ex: Her status as a respected scientist was well-deserved. 
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welfare
welfare
[noun]

a financial aid provided by the government for people who are sick, unemployed, etc.

Ex: The government increased welfare benefits to support families during the economic downturn. 
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tolerance
tolerance
[noun]

willingness to accept behavior or opinions that are against one's own

Ex: The community prided itself on its tolerance, welcoming people of all backgrounds and beliefs. 
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philanthropy

the activity of helping people, particularly financially

Ex: Her philanthropy funded new schools. 
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sexuality
sexuality
[noun]

the qualities and activities that are related to sex

Ex: Sexuality encompasses a person's sexual orientation, preferences, and identity, which can be fluid and diverse. 
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gender
gender
[noun]

the fact or condition of being male, female or non-binary that people identify themselves with based on social and cultural roles

Ex: Her research focused on the impact of gender on career opportunities in tech industries. 
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feminine
feminine
[Adjective]

related to qualities, characteristics, or behaviors typically associated with women

Ex: The feminine dress was adorned with delicate lace and pastel colors. 
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masculine
masculine
[Adjective]

related to qualities, characteristics, or behaviors typically associated with men

Ex: The masculine physique of the bodybuilder was evident in his strong muscles and broad shoulders. 
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feminism
feminism
[noun]

the movement that supports equal rights and opportunities for women and men

Ex: She learned about feminism in school. 
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race
race
[noun]

each of the main groups into which humans can be divided based on their physical attributes such as the color of their skin

Ex: While race can be a source of identity and pride for some, it has also been a source of division and oppression throughout history. 
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ethnicity
ethnicity
[noun]

the state of belonging to a certain ethnic group

Ex: The census form asked respondents to indicate their ethnicity. 
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multicultural
multicultural
[Adjective]

relating to or involving several different cultures

Ex: The city is known for its vibrant and multicultural population. 
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global village

‌the whole world considered as a small place because of being closely connected by modern communication systems

Ex: The internet has transformed the world into a global village, allowing people from different continents to communicate instantaneously. 
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inequality

a situation in which people or groups are not treated equally or fairly

Ex: Inequality exists in many parts of the world. 
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gender gap

the differences between men and women's rights, opportunities, and treatment in society

Ex: The gender gap in pay persists, with women earning, on average, less than their male counterparts for the same work. 
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to discriminate

to unfairly treat a person or group of people based on their sex, race, etc.

Ex: The company was accused of discriminating against women in its hiring practices. 
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diversity
diversity
[noun]

the practice of involving many people from different cultures, social backgrounds, sexual orientations, etc.

Ex: The nonprofit organization promotes diversity by engaging volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 
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superior
superior
[Adjective]

higher in status or rank in comparison with someone or something else

Ex: As the CEO, she held a superior position in the company hierarchy, overseeing all operations and making strategic decisions. 
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inferior
inferior
[Adjective]

lower in rank or status in comparison with someone or something else

Ex: He felt that his position in the company was inferior to that of his more experienced colleagues. 
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segregation

a social system or practice that keeps minority groups separate from the majority, often through separate facilities or services

Ex: Segregation in schools was common in the southern United States. 
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homelessness

the fact or condition of not having a home

Ex: The city has launched several initiatives to reduce homelessness and provide support to those in need. 
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sexism
sexism
[noun]

the belief or behavior that one sex is less important, capable, or valuable than the other

Ex: She spoke out against sexism at work. 
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racism
racism
[noun]

harmful or unfair actions, words, or thoughts directed at people of different races, often based on the idea that one’s own race is more intelligent, moral, or worthy

Ex: She experienced racism at her new job. 
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alcoholism

a medical condition caused by drinking an excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis

Ex: Alcoholism can impact a person's career, relationships, and overall well-being. 
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addiction
addiction
[noun]

the inability to stop using or doing something, particularly something harmful or unhealthy

Ex: Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use or engagement in a behavior despite harmful consequences. 
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demonstration

a display of support for or protest against something or someone by a march or public meeting

Ex: The demonstration against the new government policy drew thousands of participants to the city center. 
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minority
minority
[noun]

a small group of people who differ in race, religion, etc. and are often mistreated by the society

Ex: The festival celebrated the traditions of local minority populations. 
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prejudice
prejudice
[noun]

an unreasonable opinion or judgment based on dislike felt for a person, group, etc., particularly because of their race, sex, etc.

Ex: His remarks revealed a deep-seated prejudice against immigrants. 
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starvation

a situation where a person or animal dies or greatly suffers from having no food for a long time

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slum
slum
[noun]

(often plural) a very poor and overpopulated area of a city or town in which the houses are not in good condition

Ex: He advocates for better housing solutions for people in slums. 
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shelter
shelter
[noun]

a place in which very poor people are provided with food and housing

Ex: She donated to a local shelter for homeless individuals. 
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refugee
refugee
[noun]

a person who is forced to leave their own country because of war, natural disaster, etc.

Ex: The refugee camp provided shelter and basic necessities to displaced families. 
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community service

unpaid work done either as a form of punishment by a criminal or as a voluntary service by a citizen

Ex: After being convicted of vandalism, he was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. 
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social worker

someone who is employed to give advice to or provide help for those with family or financial problems

Ex: The social worker assisted families in need. 
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