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Sociology

Definition

Sociology is the scientific study of society, social behavior, and the patterns and structures that shape human interactions within a group or society. It examines how individuals are influenced by their social environment and how they contribute to shaping that environment.

Analogy

Think of sociology as a giant puzzle where each piece represents a different aspect of society. By studying sociology, we can understand how all those individual pieces fit together to create the bigger picture of human behavior in groups.

Related terms

Culture: Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that exist within a group or society.

Socialization: Socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and expectations of their culture or society.

Social Structure: Social structure refers to the patterned social arrangements and relationships within a group or society that influence individual behavior.