Legislation - GCSE Sociology Definition

Legislation refers to the laws and legal regulations enacted by a government or legislative body, such as Parliament in the UK, to govern the behaviour and actions of individuals and groups in society.

These laws influence various social institutions, such as family, education, and crime, and can impact social issues like inequality, justice, and social change. Understanding legislation helps students examine how laws affect social behaviour and the functioning of society, as well as the role different organisations and individuals play in creating and enforcing these laws.

In the context of GCSE Sociology, legislation is important because it shapes the social norms and values within a society by establishing what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behaviour.