sociology

[soh-see-ol-uh-jee, soh-shee-]

noun

1. the science or study of the origin, development, organization, and functioning of human society; the science of the fundamental laws of social relations, institutions, etc.

sociology

/ ˌsəʊsɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌsəʊsɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of the development, organization, functioning, and classification of human societies

sociology

1. The scientific study of human social behavior and its origins, development, organizations, and institutions.

sociology

1. The systematic study of human society, especially present-day societies. Sociologists study the organization, institutions, and development of societies, with a particular interest in identifying causes of the changing relationships among individuals and groups. (See social science.)

Other Word Forms

• sociologist noun
• sociologically adverb
• sociological adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sociology¹

From the French word sociologie, dating back to 1835–45. See socio-, -logy

Example Sentences

"We live in a society that prizes freedom of choice and expression, values material wealth and tolerates vast inequality," argues Chris Rojek, sociology professor at City St George's, University of London.

From BBC

She initially wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to study international relations and then eventually she graduated in sociology.

From BBC

Among lower earners were those with degrees in media, sociology and performing arts.

From BBC

Maria Moberg, a sociology lecturer at the University of Karlstad, says social media has allowed the far right's message to thrive and find new support among those who feel excluded from society.

From BBC

Right-wing sociology professor Brad Wilcox tweeted, “Expect a spike in marriage,” which, in a sane world, would be the end of his reputation as a legitimate academic.

From Salon

Related Words

• folklore 

When To Use

What is sociology?

Sociology is the study of human society and the social interactions and behavior of humans.Sociology is, generally speaking, the study of human interaction. How do people socialize? What happens when people live together? How are members of a group influencing each other? Why does someone become a king and someone else lives their whole life as a peasant? These are the kinds of questions a sociologist is interested in.Sociology is an incredibly broad science and often overlaps with other fields of study, such as psychology or economics. A sociologist may look at social groups on a large (macro) scale, such as studying the different societies of Asia, or may look at groups on a small (micro) scale, such as studying Brazilian teenagers or even a single town.As far as a sociologist is concerned, no person ever makes a decision without some influence from society or their social groups. Sociology isn’t just the study of people but more specifically the study of what happens when people are around each other.