A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that best describes the societal expectations that lead Skeggs to feel guilt and tension with her parents is social reproduction. This concept refers to the ways in which social inequality is maintained across generations, often through cultural and structural processes. It highlights how families transmit values, norms, and resources, which can create pressure and tension for individuals who may not align with these inherited expectations.

In Skeggs' context, social reproduction emphasizes how her background and the values associated with her family shape her experiences and feelings of guilt. This tension arises from the discord between her aspirations and those expected by her familial background, reflecting broader societal structures that influence personal identities.

Understanding this term in conjunction with the concept of social reproduction helps clarify the dynamics between individual agency and the structural inequalities embedded in society, highlighting the emotional impacts of these pressures.