A Level Sociology OCR Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term 'compartmentalisation' in Giddens' analysis of modern relationships refers to the practice of separating different aspects of life, which includes distinguishing between personal relationships, work, and social interactions. In contemporary society, individuals often juggle multiple roles and settings, leading to a segmentation of their lives in which personal needs, professional demands, and social obligations are navigated independently. This separation allows individuals to manage different parts of their lives without them necessarily impacting each other directly, enabling a sense of control and organization amid the complexities of modern existence.

The other concepts fall outside the specific framework Giddens discusses; for instance, focusing solely on individual needs does not encapsulate the broaderrelationships between different life spheres, while combining work and personal life suggests integration rather than compartmental separation. Grouping family ties exclusively is too narrow and misses the comprehensive nature of compartmentalisation in various life contexts.