Sociology: meaning, definitions and examples

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sociology

 

[ soʊˈsiː.əl.ədʒi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

academic discipline

Sociology is the study of society, social institutions, and social relationships. It encompasses a wide range of topics such as family, education, crime, and the economy, examining how these aspects influence human behavior and societal dynamics. Sociologists use various research methods to understand social patterns and structures, aiming to provide insights that can inform social policy and practice. The discipline often intersects with other fields like psychology, anthropology, and political science.

Synonyms

cultural studies, social science, social studies.

Examples of usage

  • She is pursuing a degree in sociology.
  • Sociology helps us understand social dynamics.
  • The sociology of education is a vital field of study.

Translations

Translations of the word "sociology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sociologia

🇮🇳 सामाजिक विज्ञान

🇩🇪 Soziologie

🇮🇩 sosiologi

🇺🇦 соціологія

🇵🇱 socjologia

🇯🇵 社会学 (しゃかいがく)

🇫🇷 sociologie

🇪🇸 sociología

🇹🇷 sosyoloji

🇰🇷 사회학 (sahoehak)

🇸🇦 علم الاجتماع

🇨🇿 sociologie

🇸🇰 sociológia

🇨🇳 社会学 (shèhuìxué)

🇸🇮 sociologija

🇮🇸 félagsfræði

🇰🇿 социология

🇬🇪 სოციოლოგია

🇦🇿 sosiologiya

🇲🇽 sociología

Etymology

The term 'sociology' was coined by French philosopher Auguste Comte in the early 19th century. Comte sought to establish a scientific framework for the study of society, which he believed would help improve social conditions and promote progress. The word itself is derived from the Latin 'socius', meaning 'companion' or 'ally', and the Greek 'logia', meaning 'study of'. Sociology emerged as a formal discipline in the late 19th century, with key figures such as Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber contributing foundational theories and methodologies. Over the years, sociology has evolved to include various schools of thought, addressing complex issues such as globalization, gender, race, and class. Today, it remains a dynamic field that continues to adapt to societal changes and challenges.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,116 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.