The Changing UK Population

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts regarding the demographic shifts, community structures, and social policies surrounding the changing UK population, including migration history, aging trends, and religious diversity.

Community

A group of people who are in close contact and who share common interests and values.

Neighbourhood community

A group of people who share interests specifically because of the area where they live.

Melting pot

A metaphor for a multicultural society where many different types of people, immigrants, and thoughts blend together to create one big new culture.

Salad bowl society

A metaphor for a society where all cultural ingredients are in the same bowl but do not blend together, maintaining separate identities.

Segregated community

The physical separation of two or more groups into different neighbourhoods.

Cohesive community

A community where there is a common vision, a sense of belonging for all, and diverse backgrounds are positively valued.

Census

An official count of the population carried out by the government every 10 years to track changes in society.

ONS

The Office for National Statistics, which is responsible for collecting and publishing statistics related to the economy, population, and society.

Immigration

The process of people moving into another country to live there.

Ethnicity

A person’s cultural background.

Ethnic minority

A group within a community that has different national or cultural traditions from the main population.

Dual heritage

Having parents who come from two different cultural or ethnic backgrounds.

Natural change

The difference between the number of births and the number of deaths in a population.

Ageing population

A population trend involving a rising average age and a growing number of people living beyond standard working ages.

Life expectancy

The average period that a person may expect to live; growth in this contributes to an ageing population.

Tolerance

Being open-minded and accepting of other people's different beliefs, ideals, or religions.

Equality Act 2010

A law providing protected characteristics that prevents employers from discriminating on the grounds of disability.

Tithing / Zakat

Religious requirements to give a percentage of one's money to charity (e.g., in Christianity and Islam).

Bedroom Tax

A legislative change that, along with benefit sanctions, has been linked to increased poverty levels and demand for food banks.