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 STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

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 all genders have equal status and value, so discrimination against any 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