Sociology

Sociology examines the patterns of interaction among individuals and the group activity that emerges from such interaction. A basic premise is that social behaviour, and society itself, cannot be fully understood simply by studying the individuals involved. Sociology has a special interest in all those intermediate forms of association between the family and the state which together comprise much of the basis for social solidarity and cohesion. Whether individuals cooperate, compete, or fight is in large measure determined by forces outside themselves, by social forces that encourage or restrain their behaviour.

Field of study: Sociology