sociology

UK: ˌsəʊsiˈɒlədʒi | US: ˌsoʊsiˈɑːlədʒi

Definition

  1. n. the scientific study of human society, social relationships, and institutions

  2. n. the systematic analysis of social behavior and group dynamics

Structure
socio <society, from Latin *socius* (companion)>logy <study, from Greek *-logia* (discourse)>
Etymology

The word "sociology" combines the Latin root socio-, derived from socius (meaning "companion" or "ally"), with the Greek suffix -logy (denoting "the study of"). The term emerged in the early 19th century, coined by French philosopher Auguste Comte to describe the scientific study of society. The fusion reflects the interdisciplinary nature of sociology, bridging social interactions (socio-) with systematic analysis (-logy).

Examples

  1. She majored in sociology to understand how communities function.

  2. The professor’s research in sociology focuses on urban poverty.

  3. Sociology examines the impact of culture on human behavior.

  4. His book revolutionized modern sociology with its theories on social stratification.

  5. A background in sociology helps policymakers address societal inequalities.